TRAI expands 1601-series numbering to utilities

The India — Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a directive on Monday to telecom service providers (TSPs) to begin onboarding entities from non-financial sectors onto the new 1601-series numbering framework for service and transactional voice calls. This expansion extends the trusted numbering system previously used by the BFSI sector and government entities under the 1600-series. Phase-I covers utilities (electricity distribution, water, city gas, LPG distributors) and logistics/courier companies. TSPs must verify eligibility and complete migration within 90 days. The 1601-series numbers are allocated directly to eligible entities, not intermediaries, and cannot be used for promotional calls. The move aims to combat impersonation fraud and help consumers identify legitimate calls.