Regulators
TRAI proposes more voice and SMS-only plans across all validity periods
Draft rules aim to widen affordable options as demand for basic packs rises
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed fresh changes to telecom consumer rules, aiming to expand the availability of voice and SMS-only plans across different validity periods.
In its draft Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026, the regulator has suggested that telecom operators must offer standalone voice and SMS vouchers for every validity period currently available under bundled plans that include data.
The move comes after TRAI observed that despite its earlier mandate in 2024 requiring at least one such plan, only a limited number of voice and SMS-only vouchers are currently being offered by service providers. At the same time, users and stakeholders have been calling for shorter-duration packs that cater to basic communication needs without bundling data.
Under the new proposal, operators will need to mirror their existing tariff structures. For every bundled plan with voice, SMS and data, a corresponding voice and SMS-only option must be made available, with tariffs reduced proportionately. The idea is simple: more choice, and potentially lighter bills for users who do not need data-heavy packs.
The regulator has opened the draft for public consultation and invited comments from stakeholders by April 28. Submissions can be sent to Vijay Kumar, advisor financial and economic analysis at TRAI.
The proposal reflects a broader shift towards fine-tuning telecom offerings to match evolving consumer behaviour, especially among users seeking no-frills plans. If implemented, the changes could nudge telecom companies to rebalance their pricing strategies while giving consumers a clearer, more flexible set of choices.
Regulators
India Post & DTDC sign MoU to boost logistics reach across India
Partnership taps 1.64 lakh post offices to speed up e-commerce deliveries
NEW DELHI: In a move aimed at strengthening India’s fast-growing logistics and e-commerce ecosystem, the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications has signed a memorandum of understanding with DTDC Express Limited to enhance parcel delivery capabilities across the country.
The agreement was formalised in New Delhi by Department of Posts general manager parcel directorate Neeraj Kumar Jha and DTDC Express Limited ceo Abhishek Chakraborty, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
At its core, the partnership looks to combine India Post’s extensive nationwide network with DTDC’s operational expertise in logistics. The collaboration will allow DTDC to tap into more than 1.64 lakh post offices, significantly widening its reach, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
The MoU builds on an existing association that began in 2025 and focuses on expanding joint logistics operations, sharing capacity, and aligning best practices across the parcel ecosystem. Both organisations will also coordinate marketing strategies and hold quarterly review meetings to track progress and identify new growth opportunities.
For DTDC, the tie-up offers scale and deeper market penetration, helping it meet rising demand driven by e-commerce. For India Post, the partnership is expected to strengthen its parcel business, improve delivery timelines, and reinforce its role in the country’s logistics value chain.
The inclusion of services such as cash on delivery is also set to make the collaboration more relevant for online sellers and consumers alike, especially in regions where digital payment adoption is still evolving.
As India pushes towards becoming a global logistics hub, this public-private partnership signals a practical step forward, blending legacy infrastructure with modern delivery capabilities to keep pace with the country’s e-commerce boom.
