TRAI Tightens Rules for 1601 Series

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has tightened the rules governing the 1601 numbering series, allowing these numbers to be used only for service-related calls. Promotional, marketing and other commercial calls will not be permitted from the 1601 series. The move is aimed at strengthening consumer protection and making it easier for people to distinguish genuine service communications from unsolicited or potentially fraudulent calls.

TRAI has directed eligible entities to shift to the 1601 numbering series within 90 days, according to the stated timeline. The dedicated numbering series is intended to create greater transparency around service calls and reduce the misuse of ordinary telephone numbers for promotional or fraudulent communications. Consumers are expected to benefit from clearer identification of legitimate service-related calls.