TRAI initiates implementation of 1601-series numbers for utilities, courier & logistics firms
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday issued directions to non-banking sector companies on the usage of the 1601-series numbers for transactional and service calls.
“Based on consultations with stakeholders, it has been decided to implement the series, covering entities in utilities, courier, and logistics sectors under Phase-I,” the telecom regulator said in an official statement.
The 1601-series numbers will be allocated directly to eligible entities, and not to intermediaries or aggregators, after due verification by the telecom operators.
“Their adoption is, therefore, expected to become an important tool in combating impersonation by fraudsters who use normal 10-digit numbers and falsely claim to represent legitimate businesses,” TRAI said.
The regulator said the distinct numbering identity will enable consumers to easily identify legitimate service and transactional calls, thereby strengthening trust in such voice-based communications.
This follows the widespread adoption of the 1600-series numbers for service and transactional calls by the BFSI sector entities, which TRAI said has provided “valuable experience” for extending the trusted numbering framework to the other sectors.
