Key Details
TRAI’s 1 October 2026 direction changes the presentation of existing prepaid offers across digital and physical sales channels.
Websites and apps: A separate, clearly visible “TRAI-Mandated Packs” tab or section must appear first in the prepaid recharge section.
Exclusive points of sale: The mandated packs must also be displayed prominently.
Reporting: Operators must submit a compliance report within 30 days of the direction.
Packs Already Required by TRAI Were Hard to Find
Existing rules require operators to offer specified 30-day and monthly-renewable plan, special-tariff and combo vouchers. They also require voice-and-SMS-only special-tariff vouchers, giving users an option that does not bundle in data they may not need.
TRAI says consumer complaints and its examination of operators’ websites and apps showed that mandated vouchers were sometimes buried under different categories or several screens. The new direction gives those offers a fixed, prominent location. It changes how consumers find existing packs; it does not announce a new voucher or tariff.
Policy Relevance
This is a consumer-choice measure with a clear compliance test: can a prepaid user immediately see the mandated options, including voice-and-SMS-only packs, when looking for a recharge? The required tab is straightforward to check online. At exclusive sales outlets, effective compliance will also depend on whether the packs are visibly presented to customers.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: After operators report compliance, will consumers be able to find and buy the mandated packs as easily as other prepaid offers?
Follow the Full Direction Here: TRAI Direction on Publication of Tariff Offers, 1 October 2026