Raghav Chadha Raises Concern Over Data Expiry, Urges Telecom Reforms in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi | March 23, 2026 Raghav Chadha on Monday raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha over the current structure of prepaid mobile data plans, calling for reforms to protect consumer interests. He highlighted that telecom operators offer plans with fixed daily data limits such as 1.5GB, 2GB, or 3GB which reset every 24 hours, leading to the expiry of unused data despite users having already paid for it. Chadha criticised the system, stating that unused data is automatically wiped out at the end of each day without any rollover or compensation. He described this as a policy issue rather than a technical limitation and argued that consumers are forced to either use data unnecessarily or lose it. He proposed that unused data should be carried forward to the next day instead of being erased. The AAP leader also put forward additional suggestions to make telecom services more consumer-friendly. He recommended that users who consistently under-utilise their data should receive adjustments or discounts in future recharge plans. Furthermore, he suggested that unused data should be treated as a form of digital property, allowing users to transfer it to family members or friends. Chadha also reiterated his earlier concerns about the 28-day recharge cycle, stating that it effectively compels users to recharge 13 times a year instead of 12. He further pointed out issues related to the discontinuation of incoming calls and SMS services after recharge expiry, especially affecting users of basic mobile phones. His remarks have once again brought attention to the need for more flexible and fair telecom policies in the country. Raghav Chadha Raises Concern Over Data Expiry, Urges Telecom Reforms in Rajya Sabha Raghav Chadha on Monday raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha over the current structure of prepaid mobile data plans, calling for reforms to protect consumer interests. He highlighted that telecom operators offer plans with fixed daily data limits such as 1.5GB, 2GB, or 3GB which reset every 24 hours, leading to the expiry of unused data despite users having already paid for it. Chadha criticised the system, stating that unused data is automatically wiped out at the end of each day without any rollover or compensation. He described this as a policy issue rather than a technical limitation and argued that consumers are forced to either use data unnecessarily or lose it. He proposed that unused data should be carried forward to the next day instead of being erased. The AAP leader also put forward additional suggestions to make telecom services more consumer-friendly. He recommended that users who consistently under-utilise their data should receive adjustments or discounts in future recharge plans. Furthermore, he suggested that unused data should be treated as a form of digital property, allowing users to transfer it to family members or friends. Chadha also reiterated his earlier concerns about the 28-day recharge cycle, stating that it effectively compels users to recharge 13 times a year instead of 12. He further pointed out issues related to the discontinuation of incoming calls and SMS services after recharge expiry, especially affecting users of basic mobile phones. His remarks have once again brought attention to the need for more flexible and fair telecom policies in the country.