TRAI directs telecoms to launch voice and SMS plans without mandatory data

India's telecommunications regulator has instructed mobile network operators to introduce dedicated plans covering only voice calls and SMS messaging, with no compulsory data component attached.

Under the directive, companies must also make available at least one longer-duration voice-and-SMS-only plan, with a validity period that matches the longest data-bundled plan they currently sell to customers.

The move is widely seen as an acknowledgement that a segment of the population relies solely on calls and text messages and has little use for — or access to — mobile internet services. Regulators appear keen to ensure such users are not forced to pay for data they do not want or need.