DoT Introduces New Number Series for Service and Transactional Calls
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 31st May. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken a step to curb unsolicited telemarketing calls and improve communication clarity for citizens. A new numbering series, 160xxxxxxx, has been introduced specifically for service and transactional voice calls.
Why the Change?
Previously, the 140xxxxxxx series served for both promotional and service/transactional calls. However, the extensive use of this series for promotional calls led to many important service calls being ignored. Additionally, genuine entities resorted to using regular 10-digit numbers, creating confusion and vulnerability to fraud.
Benefits of the New Series
Clear Identification: The 160xxxxxxx series allows users to easily distinguish between service/transactional calls and other types. This can include calls from banks, financial institutions, government agencies, etc.
Enhanced Control: Consumers are encouraged to activate the Do Not Disturb (DND) feature offered by TRAI to further block unwanted promotional calls.
- Telecom service providers will verify entities before assigning them numbers from the 160 series.
- Entities can only use these numbers for service and transactional calls as per regulations.
- For example, service calls from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) might begin with 1601.
- Reporting Concerns
Citizens can report suspected fraudulent calls on the Chakshu facility at Sanchar Saathi (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in).
This initiative by DoT aims to empower citizens and improve communication clarity.
Detailed information on the new scheme can be found here:
Call Definitions
Service Call: Made with recipient consent or using a registered template. Its purpose is to facilitate, complete, or confirm a pre-consented transaction, or provide warranty/recall/safety information.
Promotional Call: Unsolicited commercial voice call without recipient consent.
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