TRAI mandates BFSI sector entities to adopt ‘1600’ numbering series by early 2026

NEW DELHI: Entities regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) have been mandated to adopt the “1600” numbering series in a staggered manner by March 2026, as per the telecom regulator’s latest directive released on Wednesday.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), in an official statement, said that the direction has been issued to enhance consumer trust, curb spam, and prevent fraudulent activities perpetrated through voice calls.