New TRAI Rule Set to Take Effect from September 1: Could Your SIM Card Be Blocked?

TRAI New Rule:

Starting September 1, 2024, a new rule from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will be enforced to combat the rising issue of spam and fraudulent calls. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to know:

Key Details of the New TRAI Rule

• Implementation Date:
  • The new regulation will be effective from September 1, 2024.
• What the Rule Entails:
  • Blacklist Penalty: Any personal mobile number used for telemarketing purposes will be blacklisted for a period of two years. This means the number will be prohibited from making or receiving calls for telemarketing activities during this time.
  • New Number Series for Banks and Insurance: Banks and insurance companies will be required to use a designated 160-number series for their promotional calls and messages, ensuring better tracking and management of such communications.
• Objective of the Rule:
  • The primary goal of this new rule is to curb unsolicited and fraudulent telemarketing practices that have been increasingly troubling consumers. By blacklisting numbers involved in such activities, TRAI aims to create a more secure and consumer-friendly telecommunications environment.

Impact on Spam Calls and Messages

• Targeting Auto-Generated Calls:
  • The rule will also address the issue of auto-generated or robotic calls and messages, which have become a significant nuisance for many users. By regulating these automated communications, TRAI hopes to reduce the volume of spam that people receive.
• Expected Outcomes:
  • The new regulation is expected to substantially decrease the number of unwanted calls and messages that users experience. It will also pressure telecom operators to enforce stricter controls and better manage telemarketing practices.

Background and Context

• Rising Complaints:
  • Over the past few months, there has been a sharp increase in complaints regarding spam and fraud. According to data from the Department of Telecommunications, more than 10,000 fraudulent messages were sent out in just the last three months.
• Government’s Response:
  • In response to these issues, the government is taking a firm stance against fraudulent and spam communications. This new rule is part of a broader effort to protect consumers and enhance the integrity of telecommunications in India.

How to Report Spam

• Filing Complaints:
  • If you receive any unsolicited or fraudulent calls or messages, you should report them immediately. You can do this through the ‘Sanchaar Saathi’ portal, which is designed for handling such complaints.
  • Additionally, you can also file a complaint by dialing 1909, which is the dedicated number for reporting telecom issues.
• TRAI’s Advice:
  • TRAI advises all consumers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. This helps in taking prompt action and ensuring that the new regulations have the desired effect.

Spammers Beware! 🚨

As per TRAI decisions:
1.If any entity is found making spam calls, all the Telecom Resources of the entity shall be disconnected and blacklisted by all Telecom Operators for upto 2 years.

2.With effect from 1st September 2024, NO message, containing… pic.twitter.com/ZeKrzcy5az

— DoT India (@DoT_India) August 11, 2024

Looking Ahead

• Impact on Telecom Operators:
  • Telecom operators will need to adjust their systems to comply with the new rules. They will play a crucial role in implementing and enforcing the blacklist penalties and managing the new number series for promotional activities.
• Consumer Benefits:
  • The new rule is expected to enhance the overall quality of telecommunications by reducing unwanted interruptions and providing a clearer, more reliable communication experience.

By enforcing these new regulations, TRAI aims to create a more transparent and user-friendly telecommunication environment, addressing long-standing issues related to spam and fraudulent practices.