Centre introduces new number series to curb unsolicited telemarketing calls

To easily identify legitimate service or transactional calls and check and restrain unsolicited telemarketing calls from telemarketers, the Centre has introduced a new numbering series, 160xxxxxxx.

This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of communication for consumers and reduce the prevalence of misleading practices.

Currently, telemarketers have been allocated the 140xxxxxxx to make promotional, service, and transactional voice calls. However, the large use of the 140xx series has led to consumers often ignoring these calls. As a result, many important service or transactional calls are missed. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) highlighted this issue by stating “consumers normally do not respond to such calls, and many important service/transactional calls are missed.”

DoT Introduces New Numbering Series to Combat Unsolicited Telemarketing Calls

“This has resulted in the wide use of regular 10-digit numbers by genuine entities for making service/transactional calls. This also gave opportunity to fraudsters to deceive consumers using 10-digit numbers,” the DoT added.

To address this issue, the DoT has allocated the new 160xxxxxxx numbering series, which will be used for service or transactional voice calls by principal entities. This is expected to help citizens manage their communication more effectively by distinguishing between types of calls.

The DoT provided an example to show how the new numbering system will work: “For example, the service/transactional calls originating from Financial Entities like by RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, IRDA, etc shall start from 1601.” This will ensure consumers do not miss critical information.

To implement this new system effectively, telecom Service Providers (TSPs) are required to verify every entity before assigning a number from the 160 series. The DoT added that “the entity shall undertake to use it only for service/transactional calls,” ensuring the integrity and purpose of the new numbering.

The introduction of the new 160xxxxxxx series is part of a broader effort to ensure consumer protection and improve the efficiency of communication in India. The DoT’s highlighted the importance of this move in restraining fraudulent activities and ensuring that consumers can easily distinguish between legitimate service calls and unsolicited promotional calls.

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