Spam Calls Getting Out Of Hand? TRAI Brings AI, ML And New 1601 Numbers

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has tightened rules to curb spam calls and unwanted commercial messages across India.

The new measures rely on technology, stricter monitoring and greater coordination between telecom companies.

Telecom operators will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to identify suspicious calling patterns and detect potential spammers.

Information about suspected spam activity can be shared between operators, helping identify individuals or businesses that use multiple numbers to make unwanted calls.

TRAI has introduced stricter action against repeat offenders. Telecom companies can examine suspicious numbers and take action when violations are confirmed.

A new 1601 number series is being introduced for certain service and transactional calls. The series will cover eligible organisations outside the banking, financial services and insurance sectors, as well as government organisations.

The move is intended to help consumers distinguish genuine service calls from unsolicited commercial calls.

The regulator has strengthened the Do Not Disturb (DND) system, allowing consumers to report unwanted commercial calls and messages through approved channels.

According to TRAI, consumers filed more than 17 lakh spam complaints through the DND app in 2025.

The regulator issued more than 7.3 lakh notices to unregistered telemarketers.

Authorities have taken action against entities involved in spam calls and the misuse of telecom services, with the latest measures aimed at improving detection and enforcement.

The revised framework places greater emphasis on AI-based monitoring and cooperation between telecom operators.

TRAI expects the measures to strengthen consumer protection and make mobile communication more transparent and secure.

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