Telcos Push Back Against TRAI’s AI-Based Spam Number Blocking Proposal

Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea have objected to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s proposal to block mobile numbers identified as potential spam through artificial intelligence-based systems.

According to a report by the Economic Times, the operators believe the suggested framework could inconvenience genuine customers and even disconnect them due to unclear or arbitrary processes.

The companies have cautioned that automated flagging without sufficient human oversight may lead to wrongful suspension of services.

At present, telecom providers initiate action against suspected spammers only after receiving five separate complaints against a number within ten days. However, TRAI’s proposed rules would permit operators to disconnect a number if an AI system flags it as suspicious for ten consecutive days, even in the absence of formal complaints.

Telecom firms have warned that such a mechanism could result in erroneous blocking. They also highlighted that restoring wrongly disconnected numbers may involve lengthy procedures, including fresh Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.

The operators have urged TRAI to undertake broader stakeholder consultations before finalising any directive. They have recommended structural reforms instead, such as assigning dedicated numbering series for commercial communications and strengthening accountability mechanisms for telemarketers.

AI Tools Already Deployed

Telecom companies have already introduced AI-driven anti-spam solutions voluntarily. These systems alert users to potentially suspicious calls, which has helped reduce spam complaints.

The operators maintain that not every flagged call qualifies as spam, and automatic disconnection based solely on AI assessment would be technically unsound.

TRAI officials have indicated that they will review the concerns raised by the service providers before taking a final decision. Meanwhile, state-run BSNL has yet to roll out AI-based spam detection, underscoring inconsistencies across networks.

In a related move, TRAI recently launched upgraded versions of its consumer-focused mobile applications, TRAI DND and TRAI MySpeed. The revamped platforms aim to empower subscribers to report spam more easily, monitor service quality, and submit feedback.

India’s telecom sector currently serves over 1.31 billion subscribers, including more than one billion broadband users. Although billions of legitimate calls and messages are exchanged daily, only a small proportion of spam incidents are formally reported.

Through enhanced digital tools, TRAI seeks to streamline complaint mechanisms and strengthen overall service standards.

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