New Internet Data Packs will come with 365 days validity instead of 90 days – TRAI

The Telecom Regulator Authority of India (TRAI) today permitted an increase of validity for mobile data packs to 365 days. This is a significant increase considering the fact that currently, the validity offered with these packs goes only up to 90 days. It is reported that this step is taken to boost usage by marginal consumers and also it is expected that this will attract the first time internet users. TRAI also launched a mobile app for measuring network speeds and collect data related to it for enhancing the network services.

So as mentioned earlier, currently a user can issue a recharge voucher that is valid for up to 90 days’ maximum. Within this validity, if the user fails to use the data purchased then since the validity ends, the unused data gets lapsed. Trai stated that there were a lot of requests for the same. It also reported that telecom service providers offer data services in the form of Special Tariff Vouchers. These are offered either exclusively or are combined with other tariff items with a maximum permitted validity of 90 days.

So now Trai has notified the 10th amendment to the TCPR permitting the maximum validity of 365 days for data-only STVs instead of prevailing maximum validity of 90 days. This is a good decision as the 90 days’ validity was a major issue people used to face. This new 365 days validity plan will benefit many users who just wants to use the SIM as a secondary option or maybe if he/she is just using it from time to time. However, the cost of these data plans for the same remains unknown as it is something which depends on the service provider.

But looking at the trend, the service providers will keep it under a usual price bracket without going overboard on this. All the service providers like Airtel, Vodafone, etc. are either offering more value for the pack or have reduced the cost of them. It is speculated that these steps have been taken as the result of Reliance offering 90 days preview offer and attracting more customers. Stay tuned for more info on this.