The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has clarified claims circulating in newspapers, on social media, and through electronic media about new rules on SIM card validity. The reports suggest that SIM cards will remain active for 90 days even without recharge under a new directive. However, TRAI has confirmed that these claims are misleading, as no new rules have been issued regarding this matter.
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TRAI Addresses Misinformation Through Fact Check
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 23, 2025, TRAI addressed the misleading information being spread across various platforms by issuing a fact check.
Existing Regulations on SIM Card Validity
As per existing TRAI regulations under the Telecommunication Consumer Protection Regulations (TCPR), Sixth Amendment, prepaid SIM cards cannot be deactivated for a minimum of 90 days if the account maintains a balance of Rs 20 or more. This regulation, introduced 11 years ago, ensures automatic retention of the number even during periods of non-usage, provided the minimum balance requirement is met, TRAI Clarified.
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Voice and SMS only Packs
To further empower consumers, TRAI has mandated the introduction of service-specific vouchers. These allow users to pay only for the services they require. For instance, consumers who need only voice or SMS services can opt for packs exclusive to those features, avoiding unnecessary charges for data.
TRAI said it observed that some service providers launched voice- and SMS-only packs. These providers are required to report such offerings to TRAI within seven working days of their launch. TRAI has assured consumers that these plans will be reviewed to ensure compliance with regulatory provisions.
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Second Such Instance
We believe this type of misinformation—factually incorrect information disseminated through user-generated content on social media and by media houses, particularly those publishing online—arises from a lack of fact-checking and subject knowledge. Many outlets focus only on SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and targeted keywords to drive traffic by creating curiosity among users. In recent days, this marks the second instance where TRAI has addressed such misinformation and issued a clarification on its social media account.
Conclusion
In summary, the widely circulated claim that TRAI has issued new rules regarding 90-day SIM validity is inaccurate. The regulation has been in place for over a decade, and TRAI continues to monitor and enhance consumer-friendly practices in the telecom sector.
