New Delhi, September 28, 2026: Prepaid mobile users in India are set to get more flexible recharge options following new consumer protection regulations issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The changes include the availability of 30-day recharge plans, voice-and-SMS-only packs and additional options aimed at customers who do not require mobile data.
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who had raised concerns over prepaid recharge practices in Parliament earlier this year, welcomed the development and said the changes address issues highlighted by mobile users.
30-Day Recharge Plans to Give Consumers More Choice
One of the key changes relates to the validity period of prepaid recharge plans.
Many popular mobile plans have traditionally carried a validity of 28 days. A customer continuously using such plans may therefore need to recharge around 13 times within a year.
Under the new regulations, telecom companies will have to provide additional recharge choices, including 30-day validity options.
This could allow consumers choosing such monthly plans to recharge 12 times in a year rather than following a 28-day cycle throughout the year.
Raghav Chadha Had Raised the Issue in Parliament
Raghav Chadha raised the issue of prepaid recharge validity in Parliament on March 11, 2026.
He questioned why plans marketed as monthly recharges frequently offered only 28 days of validity and argued that consumers should have the option of plans aligned more closely with a calendar month.
He had also raised concerns about customers who mainly use their mobile phones for calls and SMS but are required to purchase packages containing mobile data.
Voice and SMS-Only Plans Also Included
Another important change is the expansion of voice-and-SMS-only prepaid plans.
These plans are designed for customers who primarily need calling and text messaging services and may not require internet data.
Under TRAI’s Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, operators will be required to provide more Special Tariff Vouchers offering voice and SMS services without compulsory data bundling.
The move could particularly benefit senior citizens, feature-phone users and customers looking for lower-cost basic mobile services.
Same-Date Monthly Renewal Option
The updated rules also provide for recharge options that can renew on the same date every month.
If that date is unavailable in a particular month, the validity can end on the last date of that month.
This gives customers another alternative to the conventional fixed-day validity model.
What Will Change for Prepaid Mobile Users?
Under the new framework, consumers are expected to get:
- Recharge plans with 30-day validity
- Options that can renew on the same date every month
- More voice and SMS-only plans
- Greater choice for customers who do not need mobile data
- More flexible prepaid options for budget-conscious users
Raghav Chadha Welcomes TRAI’s Decision
Following the announcement, Chadha said the new rules addressed concerns that prepaid users had shared with him and which he subsequently raised in Parliament.
He described the development as an example of issues raised by consumers receiving attention through the parliamentary and regulatory process.
When Will Consumers See the New Plans?
TRAI issued the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026 on September 22.
Telecom operators will now need to align their eligible prepaid offerings with the amended rules. Exact prices and individual recharge options may differ between operators.
Consumers should therefore check the official website or mobile application of their telecom provider for the latest plans available to their number.
Key Highlights
New Rule: 30-day recharge options
Existing Concern: Common 28-day recharge cycles
Annual Difference: 30-day monthly plans can reduce the cycle from around 13 recharges to 12
Additional Option: Voice and SMS-only prepaid plans
Regulator: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
Regulation: Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026
Issue Raised in Parliament By: AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha