TRAI Begins Phase-Wise Rollout of 1601-Series for Service and Transactional Calls

Key facts

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated the phase-wise implementation of the 1601-series numbers for service and transactional calls by non-BFSI and non-government entities.
• Phase I of the 1601-series rollout covers utilities, courier and logistics sectors.
• Eligible entities in the utilities sector include electricity distribution companies, water utilities, city gas distribution companies, LPG distribution entities and other utility service providers.
• The logistics and courier category includes courier companies, express logistics companies, parcel delivery service providers, and freight and logistics service providers engaged in delivery of consignments.
• Telecom service providers (TSPs) must complete migration and onboarding of eligible Phase-I entities within 90 days of the order's issuance.
• 1601-series numbers will be allocated directly to eligible entities, not to intermediaries or aggregators, and cannot be used for promotional voice calls.