DoT Rolls Out '160' Number Series To Tackle Unwanted Calls

To enhance transparency and accountability in commercial messaging and address the issue of unsolicited consumer contact and fraud, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has decided to allocate a separate 10-digit number series starting with '160'. This series will be used for messaging by central and state governments, banks, insurance companies, pension providers, credit card companies, and investment advisers.

However, the new rules do not address sectors such as real estate or utilities like electricity or gas supply companies. While this initiative aims to reduce unwanted calls, it also seeks to prevent fraud by enabling consumers to identify whether a call or message is from one of the regulated entities.

The office memorandum cited, "The telecom service provider shall obtain an undertaking from the seeking entity that it will use the number assigned from the 160 series exclusively for service and transactional voice calls as per the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation (TCCPR), 2018."

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is confident that by implementing a standardised numbering format, consumers will be less likely to fall victim to fraudulent entities that solicit investments and attempt to obtain sensitive personal information. The government and regulatory authorities are considering imposing stiffer penalties for unsolicited calls.