TRAI Launches 1601 Number Series to Curb Voice Fraud

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India launched the 1601 number series for transactional and service calls made by non-financial and non-government entities. This initiative expands a trusted calling framework previously established with the 1600 series, which remains reserved for government bodies and the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector.

Under Phase-I, the 1601 series is allocated to utilities—including electricity, water, city gas, and LPG providers—as well as courier and logistics companies. The regulator designed the system to help consumers distinguish legitimate service updates from fraudulent calls typically made from standard 10-digit mobile numbers.

To maintain the system's integrity, the regulator prohibits the allocation of these numbers to intermediaries or aggregators and strictly bans their use for promotional calls. Eligible entities must provide an undertaking that the series will not be used for marketing. Telecom service providers are required to verify eligible entities and complete the onboarding and migration process within 90 days.