2024-08-21 13:41:27
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued new instructions to all telecom operators like Airtel, Jio, Vodafone-Idea and BSNL, according to which telemarketing calls and commercial messaging (one-time password, promotional messages, account balance updates) starting from 140 mobile number series have been asked to shift to blockchain-based DLT platform by September 30. Header, sender’s code in commercial messages will have to be registered on the DLT platform.
What will be the benefit?
Mobile users are expected to get rid of fake calls and messages. TRAI has made a provision of penalty for making promotional calls from personal numbers. To stop fake calls and messages, the Department of Telecommunications has issued special 140 and 160 mobile number series. Out of this, 140 mobile number series is being implemented for promotional calls and messages, while financial transactions and banking messages will come from 160 mobile number series. The government wants to increase the traceability of all promotional and financial messages. It is also working on preventing misuse of promotional content.
Action will be taken from November 1
According to TRAI, it plans to know the details of both the sender and receiver of the message from November 1, 2024. According to the instructions issued by TRAI, if anyone sends promotional or banking messages other than 140 or 160 number series, then any such message will be rejected. Instructions have been issued by TRAI in this matter.
This type of message will be banned
If a user misuses the header or content template, the government can blacklist him. TRAI said that from September 1, 2024, all telecom companies will be banned from broadcasting messages containing URLs, APKs, OTT links or call back numbers, which do not contain information about the correct source of the message or call. According to TRAI, only registered organizations will be able to send promotional, financial or banking messages to mobile users.