Telecom regulator TRAI on Friday permitted increase of validity for mobile data packs to 365 days, from the current up to 90 days

To boost usage by marginal consumers and also attract first-time Internet users.

"Requests were received in TRAI seeking longer validity for data packs (that is Special Tariff Vouchers with only data benefits) primarily to address the concern of marginal consumers of wireless Internet who prefer lower denomination data packs with longer validity," TRAI said.

At present, a company can issue recharge voucher, which can be valid for a maximum 90 days. If a consumer fails to use up mobile Internet data purchased through the voucher within the specified period, the unused data lapse.

TRAI said the present regulatory regime allows "telecom service providers to offer data services in the form of Special Tariff Voucher (STV) either exclusively or in combination with other tariff items with a maximum permitted validity of 90 days".

"After undertaking a consultation process, TRAI has notified the 10th amendment to the TCPR (Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations) permitting the maximum validity of 365 days for data-only STVs instead of prevailing maximum validity of 90 days," it added.