If you’re tired of getting spam calls all day, you’re not alone. Mobile users across India are frustrated with endless promotional calls, despite efforts by telecom companies to control them. To protect consumers and stop misuse of mobile numbers, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced strict new rules under the revised Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018. Here’s what you need to know about the latest crackdown and how it can finally help reduce those annoying spam calls.
What’s Changing – TRAI has now banned 10-digit mobile numbers for telemarketing and promotional calls. Instead, all businesses must use specific number series for their calls:
140 Series – For promotional and marketing calls
1600 Series – For transactional and service-related calls
This change is meant to create clear rules for businesses, making it easier for consumers to recognize and avoid spam calls.
Why Was This Necessary – Spam calls have been a growing problem, with telemarketers using normal mobile numbers to get around existing rules. Since these numbers look like regular calls, users often end up answering them, only to be bombarded with sales pitches. Back in August 2024, TRAI launched a consultation process, asking telecom companies and experts for feedback on how to close loopholes in the system. The result? A strict ban on unregistered telemarketers and new rules to hold both callers and telecom providers accountable.
How Does This Help Consumers – The biggest relief for mobile users is that complaining about spam calls is now easier. Before, complaints were only valid if they matched your registered preferences, meaning many spam calls couldn’t be reported. Now, you can report any spam call or message, even if you hadn’t previously blocked that category. Plus, TRAI has simplified the complaint process—as long as your report contains all the necessary details, it will be accepted and acted upon.
What This Means for Telemarketers – Companies that rely on cold calling and promotional SMS will now have to register officially and use only the approved number series (140 or 1600). Those who don’t follow the rules risk getting their numbers blocked and facing strict penalties.This is one of the biggest crackdowns on spam calls in recent years, making it harder for telemarketers to operate without proper authorization.
Will This Finally End Spam Calls – TRAI’s new regulations are a huge step forward in controlling spam calls, but the real test will be in how well they are enforced. Telemarketers have always found ways to get around rules, so it remains to be seen if they’ll figure out a new trick. However, with stronger accountability measures and an easier complaint system, mobile users can expect to see a big drop in unwanted calls and messages.What do you think? Will this finally stop spam calls, or will telemarketers find another loophole? Share your thoughts!
