Telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) will launch its new voice-only plans by the end of October 2026, sources told The Hindu BusinessLine. The move is in line with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) call for a wider selection of voice-only options for low-income users.

Source: The Hindu BusinessLine

TRAI has asked all telecom companies to offer voice-and-SMS-only plans for every validity period of 30 days or less that matches a regular bundled plan, and at least one longer-validity voice-only option, Analytics Insight reported in its summary of the amended consumer protection regulations. The rules were notified in September and take effect around October 21, although BusinessLine reported, citing sources, that companies have time until October 30 because the Gazette notification was updated on September 30.

The mandate is expected to benefit 2G and feature-phone users most. According to BusinessLine, 2G users account for 34 per cent of Vi's subscriber base and about 85 per cent of state-run BSNL's total subscriber base, which is why the pricing of the new plans could affect the revenues of both operators.

Bharti Airtel has already announced three such plans, priced between ₹185 and ₹206, which Morgan Stanley assessed as 7 to 16 per cent cheaper than its existing entry-level plans, BusinessLine reported. Reliance Jio is yet to make an announcement. At present, Vi offers annual and quarterly voice plans at ₹1,849 and ₹470, Jio at ₹1,748 and ₹448, and Airtel at ₹1,849 and ₹469, BusinessLine reported.

Source: The Hindu BusinessLine