New Delhi – In a strong speech in the Rajya Sabha on March 11, 2026, Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha spoke about the troubles faced by millions of prepaid mobile users in India. He called it a kind of “loot” by telecom companies. With most Indians using prepaid plans, Chadha pointed out how these users get hit hard when their recharge ends. He shared facts and asked for big changes to make things fairer. This comes at a time when mobile phones are a must for daily life, from getting bank alerts to talking to family. His words have started talks among people and experts about how telecom rules need to fix these issues.
Chadha started by saying that out of India’s 1.24 billion mobile users, about 90 percent are on prepaid plans. That’s over a billion people who recharge their phones every few weeks or months. He said telecom firms like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea stop incoming calls and SMS right after the recharge validity ends. This means users can’t even get important messages like OTPs for banking or alerts from the government. “The phone is mine, the SIM card is mine, and the number is mine,” Chadha said in his speech. “It makes sense to stop outgoing calls if recharge is over, but blocking incoming calls is just not right.”
He also talked about the “monthly” recharge plans that last only 28 days. Because of this, users have to recharge 13 times in a year instead of 12. “There are 12 months in a year, but you end up paying for 13 recharges,” he explained. For example, 28 days times 13 is 364 days, which is almost a full year, but it tricks people into spending more. Chadha called this a scam and said mobiles are not a luxury anymore—they are a need for everyone, from farmers to students.
Chadha made three clear demands in the House. First, incoming calls and SMS should keep working for at least one year after the last recharge. Second, mobile numbers should stay active for up to three years without full deactivation. Third, telecom companies should offer real monthly plans of 30 or 31 days, and show the full yearly cost upfront so people know what they are paying. He urged the government and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to step in and protect users.
This is not the first time such issues have come up. Prepaid users have complained for years about sudden cut-offs and short validity. But Chadha’s speech brings fresh attention, especially since India has one of the biggest mobile markets in the world. According to TRAI data from late 2025, wireless subscribers in India crossed 1.2 billion, with prepaid making up the bulk. Many users, especially in villages and small towns, rely on cheap recharges but face problems when money is tight.
Telecom companies say they follow TRAI rules, which allow a 90-day grace period before a number is fully deactivated. During this time, users can recharge to get back services. But Chadha argued that even in this period, incoming services get blocked, which hurts people. For example, if someone misses a recharge by a day, they might not get an urgent call from home or work. This can be a big problem for poor families or those who use phones only for calls.
In response to past complaints, TRAI has made some changes in recent years. In December 2024, TRAI brought new rules under the Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations. These include making telecom firms offer plans just for voice calls and SMS, without forcing data packs. This helps people who don’t need internet, like older folks or those with Wi-Fi at home. TRAI also extended the validity of special recharge coupons from 90 days to up to 365 days. Now, companies can offer cheap recharges like Rs 10 with a full year of validity for basic use.
Another rule from TRAI in early 2025 says prepaid SIMs won’t be deactivated for 90 days if there’s no use, as long as the balance is Rs 20 or more. After 90 days, if balance is over Rs 20, Rs 20 gets cut to keep the SIM active for another 30 days. There’s also a 15-day grace period after that to recharge before the number is lost. This gives users more time, but it doesn’t fully fix the incoming call block that Chadha talked about.
Telecom experts say these rules are steps in the right direction, but more is needed. A statement from TRAI in January 2025 clarified that no SIM can be cut off in under 90 days for non-use if balance is enough. But companies like Airtel and Jio still stop incoming after validity ends, which is allowed under current guidelines. Vodafone Idea, now called Vi, follows the same. In a recent report, TRAI said India has some of the lowest mobile costs in the world, thanks to government policies. But with talks of price hikes in 2026, users might face more burden.
Reports from December 2025 suggest telecom firms may raise prices by 15-20 percent in mid-2026. This could make recharges costlier, adding to the problems Chadha raised. For instance, a basic monthly plan might go from Rs 150 to Rs 180 or more. Analysts from Morgan Stanley said this hike is to boost company earnings, but it could hit prepaid users hard. TRAI has asked companies to keep plans affordable and transparent.
Chadha’s speech also got support from other MPs and people on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), users shared stories of how they lost important calls because of recharge issues. One post said, “Finally someone is talking about this! I missed my bank OTP last month and had to go to the branch.” Chadha himself posted on X after the speech: “Mobiles are a necessity, not luxury. Time for fair recharge rules.” His handle @raghav_chadha got many likes and shares.
The government has not yet replied directly to Chadha’s demands. But the Minister for Communications might address it in the ongoing Budget Session. In the past, TRAI has held talks with companies to improve rules. For example, in 2022, TRAI made firms offer at least one 30-day plan that renews on the same date each month. This was to fix the 28-day problem partly. But many plans still use 28 days, as companies say it helps with costs.
Let’s look at how this affects daily life. Take a farmer in a village who uses his phone mainly to check crop prices or talk to buyers. If his recharge ends on a busy day, he can’t get calls until he recharges. This could mean lost business. Or think of a student waiting for exam results via SMS—if incoming is blocked, they miss it. Chadha said this is like silencing the user’s voice.
Stats show the scale. TRAI’s latest report from February 2026 says prepaid users make up 95 percent in rural areas. Urban users are about 85 percent prepaid. With 5G rolling out, companies push data plans, but many still want basic call-only options. The new TRAI rule for voice-SMS plans helps here. For example, Jio now offers a Rs 10 voucher for calls only, valid for 365 days.
But critics say telecom giants make huge profits while users suffer. In 2025, Jio reported profits over Rs 20,000 crore, Airtel around Rs 10,000 crore. Chadha asked why they can’t give longer incoming validity. A telecom insider said on condition of not naming, “We need to cover network costs, but user feedback is important. TRAI might review this soon.
“Looking back, prepaid started in India in the 1990s to make mobiles affordable. Now, with over a billion users, rules need to keep up. Chadha’s push could lead to changes. In other countries like the US, prepaid has longer grace periods, sometimes up to 6 months for incoming.
As of March 2026, no big changes post Chadha’s speech, but it might spark action. Users can check TRAI’s website for current plans and complain if needed. Telecom apps like MyJio or Airtel Thanks show validity clearly.
In short, Chadha’s Rajya Sabha talk shines light on everyday problems. It calls for rules that put users first. With mobiles key to India’s digital push, fair recharges are a must.
Background of Prepaid Mobile System in India
Prepaid mobiles came to India in 1999 with companies like Airtel leading. It let people pay as they use, without bills. Today, it’s huge because most Indians can’t afford postpaid. TRAI oversees it to keep things fair. Rules say companies must show all costs clearly and not cheat users.
Key Issues Highlighted by Raghav Chadha
Chadha focused on two main problems. First, blocking incoming right after expiry. TRAI allows outgoing to stop, but incoming block is common practice. This hits emergency needs. Second, 28-day plans. A “monthly” plan should be 30 days, he said. This extra recharge adds up to thousands of rupees yearly for families.
Chadha’s Demands and Why They Matter
His first demand: one-year incoming after recharge. This would help people in tough times. Second: three-year number hold. Now, after 90 days grace, numbers can be reused. Third: real monthly plans. This would save money and make billing simple.
Quotes from Chadha: “Stopping outgoing is okay, but incoming block is arbitrary.” And “12 months, but 13 recharges—it’s a scam.”
Current TRAI Rules on Prepaid Validity
TRAI’s rules from 2024-2025 help. No deactivation in 90 days if no use and balance Rs 20+. After, Rs 20 deduct for 30 more days. 15-day grace to recharge. Voice-SMS only plans mandatory. 365-day validity for cheap vouchers. One 30-day plan per company.
From TRAI FAQ: “Unused balance carries forward if recharged in time.”
Responses from Telecom Companies
Jio, Airtel, Vi say they follow TRAI. Airtel statement: “We offer many plans for user needs.” No direct reply to Chadha yet. In past, they said short validity helps low prices.
Impact on Indian Consumers
Prepaid users save money but face hassles. Rural folks hit hardest. With price hikes coming, Chadha’s call is timely. It could lead to better consumer rights.
Recent Updates in Telecom Policies
In December 2024, TRAI made voice-only plans must. Extended coupons to 365 days. In 2025, clarified Rs 20 rule. Potential 15% hike in 2026 per reports.A TRAI official said: “We aim for affordable services.”
What Can Users Do Now?
Check balance often. Use cheap vouchers. Complain to TRAI if unfair. Apps help track validity.Chadha’s speech might push for more changes. Watch for government response.
FAQs
Q1: What did Raghav Chadha say about prepaid recharges in Rajya Sabha?
A: On March 11, 2026, AAP MP Raghav Chadha spoke in Rajya Sabha about problems with prepaid mobile plans. He said 90% of India’s 1.24 billion mobile users are on prepaid. He pointed out that telecom companies block incoming calls and SMS as soon as recharge ends. He also said “monthly” plans of 28 days make users recharge 13 times a year instead of 12. He called it a loot and asked for changes like incoming services for one year, numbers active for three years, and real 30-day plans.
Q2: Why do telecom companies block incoming calls after recharge expiry?
A: Under current TRAI rules, companies can stop all services after validity ends, including incoming. This is to push users to recharge. But TRAI gives a 90-day grace before full deactivation. During grace, services are suspended, but number isn’t lost. Chadha said this is unfair as it cuts off important communication like OTPs or family calls. TRAI says companies must inform users before expiry.
Q3: What are the current TRAI rules on SIM deactivation?
A: As per TRAI’s 2025 clarifications, prepaid SIMs stay active for 90 days without use if balance is Rs 20 or more. After 90 days, Rs 20 is deducted to extend for 30 more days. Then, there’s a 15-day grace to recharge before number is deactivated and reused. This applies to Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL. For example, Vi needs Rs 49 minimum recharge after 90 days. These rules help users who forget recharges.
Q4: Are there plans without data for calls only?
A: Yes, from December 2024, TRAI made it must for companies to offer voice and SMS only plans. No need to pay for data if not used. This is good for seniors or rural users. Also, special vouchers like Rs 10 can have 365-day validity for basic incoming. Companies like Jio and Airtel now have such options on their apps.
Q5: Will mobile recharges get costlier in 2026?
A: Reports from late 2025 say yes. Companies like Jio, Airtel, Vi may hike prices by 15-20% from June 2026 to boost profits. This could make basic plans Rs 180 instead of Rs 150. TRAI says they must keep affordable options. But with 5G costs, hikes are likely. Users should watch for new plans.
Q6: How can I complain about recharge issues?
A: First, call your company’s customer care—like 198 for complaints. If no help, go to TRAI’s portal at trai.gov.in or app. Give details like number, issue, dates. TRAI handles consumer complaints and can fine companies if rules broken. Also, check tariff on TRAI site for comparisons.