TRAI introduces 1601-series numbers for trusted service calls

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced a new 1601-series numbering framework designed to help consumers distinguish legitimate service and transactional calls from spam and fraud. While the existing 1600-series is reserved for the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sectors and government bodies, the new 1601-series will be utilized by non-financial sectors.

Phase I of the rollout focuses on two primary sectors: utilities and logistics. This includes electricity, water, city gas, and LPG distributors, as well as courier, express logistics, and freight operators. The Department of Telecommunications has allocated the series, and telecom operators have been directed to complete the onboarding and migration of eligible entities within 90 days.

To maintain the integrity of the system, TRAI has explicitly prohibited the use of 1601-series numbers for promotional voice calls. Numbers will be assigned directly to verified entities rather than through intermediaries, and telecom service providers must conduct verification before allocation.