TRAI has introduced a separate 1601 number series for transactional and service-related calls from non-BFSI sectors. In the first phase, electricity, water, gas, LPG, courier and logistics service providers will be covered under the new system.
Highlights
- TRAI has introduced the 1601 number series for non-BFSI service and transactional calls.
- Electricity, water, city gas and LPG service providers will be covered.
- Courier, parcel delivery and logistics companies will also use the new number series.
- The 1601 series cannot be used for promotional voice calls.
- Telecom companies must verify an organisation’s eligibility before allocating a number.
- Eligible entities must be migrated and onboarded within 90 days of the order.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced a new 1601 number series for transactional and service-related calls from sectors outside banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI).
The move means consumers could soon identify calls related to services such as electricity, water, gas, LPG, courier deliveries and logistics through numbers belonging to the 1601 series.
In the first phase, the new number series will be allocated to utility service providers, courier companies and logistics firms. Utility providers covered under the system include electricity distribution companies, water utilities, city gas distribution companies, LPG distribution entities and other similar service providers.
Courier and logistics businesses covered by the rule include courier companies, express logistics firms, parcel delivery service providers and companies involved in freight and logistics services connected with the delivery of consignments and goods.
TRAI has made it clear that the 1601 number series can only be used for service and transactional calls. Companies will not be permitted to use these numbers for promotional voice calls.
Before allocating a 1601-series number, telecom service providers will also have to verify whether an organisation is eligible to receive it.
Telecom service providers have been directed to complete the migration and onboarding of all eligible entities covered under the first phase within 90 days from the date of the order.
TRAI already has a separate 1600 number series for the BFSI sector and government organisations. According to the information provided, a separate 1601 series has been introduced for other sectors considering the sensitive nature of BFSI services.
The new numbering system is therefore aimed at creating a clear distinction between service-related calls from different categories of organisations. For consumers, a call originating from the designated 1601 series could make it easier to recognise that the call is related to an eligible utility, courier or logistics service rather than a promotional call.
