TRAI initiates phase-wise implementation of 1601-series for service and transactional calls by utilities, courier and logistics sectors entities.

Information Note to the Press (Press Release No. 113/2026)

For Immediate Release

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (flAX)

TRAX initiates phase-wise Implementation of 1601-series for service and

transactional calls by utilities, courier and logistics sectors entities.

New Delhi, 10th August, 2026: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

TRAI has today issued the Direction on use of 1601 series numbers for the

transactional and service calls by the entities in sectors other than Banking,

Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) sector, and Government entities which are

using numbers from 1600 series, issued earlier. Considering the critical and

sensitive nature of communications made by the entities in BFSI sector and

Government, this separate series has been issued for the sectors other than BFSI

arid Government in order to avoid mixing of important financial voice calls with

the service and transactional calls from the other sectors.

After widespread adoption of the 1600-series numbers for service and

transactional calls by BFSI sector entities, which has provided valuable

experience for extending the trusted numbering framework to the other sectors

also, TRAI has now initiated phase-wise implementation of the 1601-series

allotted by the Dot for similar calls by the entities in sectors other than BFSI

sector and Government. Based on consultations with stakeholders, it has been

decided to implement the series, covering entities in Utilities, Courier and

Logistics sectors under Phase-I.

The 1601- series numbers will be allocated directly to eligible entities, and not to

intermediaries or aggregators, alter due verification by the telecom service

providers (TSPs). Their adoption is, therefore, expected to become an important

tool in combating impersonation by fraudsters who use normal 10-digit numbers

and falsely claim to represent legitimate businesses. Moreover, the distinct

numbering identity will enable the consumers to easily identify legitimate service

and transactional calls, thereby, strengthening trust in such voice-based

communications.

Key Provisions of the Direction

A. Phase-I sectors: The 1601-series shall be initially allocated to the eligible

entities in the following sectors:

Utilities - Electricity distribution companies, water utilities, city gas

distribution companies, LPG distribution entities and such other utility

service providers.

ii. Logistics and courier services - Courier companies, expres ogistics

companies, parcel delivery service providers, freight and logistics service

providers engaged in delivery of consignments.

B. Time-bound onboarding

The Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have been asked to complete migration

and onboarding of eligible entities covered under Phase-I within 90 days from

the date of issue of the order.

C. Verification and exclusive use

The TSPs shall verii the eligibility of entities before assigning 1601- series

numbers, and obtain an undertaking from them regarding exclusive use of

these numbers for service and transactional voice calls. The numbers shall

not be used for promotional voice calls by any entity.

(Harlnäer Kumar)

Secretary, TRAI