The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a directive on October 1, 2026, requiring all telecom service providers to create a dedicated “TRAI-Mandated Packs” section on their websites and mobile applications. This move aims to improve transparency and accessibility for consumers seeking specific voucher options.
Addressing Consumer Complaints
The directive stems from consumer complaints regarding the difficulty of locating vouchers mandated by TRAI. According to the regulator, an examination of telecom platforms revealed that these vouchers were often hidden, categorized inconsistently, or required extensive navigation to find. TRAI stated that consumers were facing challenges in identifying and subscribing to vouchers that met their needs.
First Tab Requirement
To rectify this, TRAI has mandated that the “TRAI-Mandated Packs” section must appear as the first tab within the prepaid recharge section of both websites and mobile apps. This section will consolidate various voucher types mandated by the regulator. The directive also extends to exclusive points of sale, requiring prominent display of these packs there as well.
Mandated Voucher Types
TRAI’s tariff rules already require telecom operators to offer a range of options, including:
- At least one Plan Voucher
- Special Tariff Voucher (STV)
- Combo Voucher with a 30-day validity
- Vouchers renewable on the same date each month
- Special tariff vouchers offering Voice and SMS services
The regulator emphasizes that simply offering these vouchers isn’t enough; they must be easily found by consumers.
Transparency and Choice
TRAI explained that the purpose of mandating specific vouchers is to empower consumers with appropriate tariff choices and enable informed decision-making. The regulator stressed the importance of clear display and easy accessibility to achieve this goal. Telecom service providers have been given 30 days from October 1, 2026, to submit reports demonstrating their compliance with the new directive.
