TRAI allocates new number series 1601 for utilities and logistics firms

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has mandated a new phone number series, 1601, for service and transactional calls made by utility and logistics companies. TRAI has specified that the 1601 series must not be used for promotional purposes.

The allocation of the 1601 series will be implemented in phases. In the first phase, the series will be directly assigned to eligible entities within the utilities and courier sectors. Telecommunication service providers are required to verify eligibility and complete the onboarding process for these businesses within 90 days.

The 1601 series is distinct from the 1600 series, which is already in use by entities in the banking, financial services, and insurance sectors, as well as government organizations. The initial phase will see the 1601 series deployed for electricity distribution companies, water utilities, city gas distribution entities, LPG distribution providers, courier companies, express logistics services, parcel delivery providers, and freight forwarding services.

TRAI has emphasized that this series will only be allotted to eligible entities directly, not to intermediaries or aggregators. This move follows concerns over an increase in spam calls, with reports indicating that users are ignoring a significant portion of calls using officially designated series for legitimate service communications.