TRAI: 1601-series numbers for service and transactional calls by utilities, courier and logistics companies; onboarding within 90 days
TRAI issued a Direction on 10 August 2026 on the use of 1601-series numbers for service and transactional calls by entities outside the BFSI sector and Government, which use the 1600 series. Phase I covers utilities and logistics and courier services. Telecom service providers are to complete onboarding within 90 days from the date of issue.
Key facts
- In force
- Direction issued 10 August 2026; TSPs to complete Phase-I onboarding within 90 days from the date of issue
- Who it affects
- Electricity, water, city gas and LPG distributors; courier, parcel, express and freight logistics companies; telecom service providers; call-centre aggregators
- What it is
- New facility
- Section
- Legal & Disputes
- Published
- 10 August 2026
In 30 seconds
- The 1601 series is for service and transactional voice calls by entities in sectors other than BFSI and Government, which use the 1600 series.
- Phase I covers utilities and logistics and courier services.
- Numbers are allocated directly to eligible entities, not to intermediaries or aggregators, after verification by the telecom service provider (TSP).
- TSPs are to complete migration and onboarding of Phase-I entities within 90 days from the date of issue of the order.
- TSPs must take an undertaking that the numbers will be used exclusively for service and transactional voice calls.
- The numbers shall not be used for promotional voice calls by any entity.
हिंदी में सार
TRAI ने 10 अगस्त 2026 को निर्देश जारी किया है कि BFSI और सरकार (जो 1600 सीरीज़ इस्तेमाल करते हैं) के अलावा बाक़ी क्षेत्रों की service और transactional कॉल 1601 सीरीज़ के नंबरों से होंगी। पहले चरण में बिजली, पानी, गैस, LPG जैसी utilities और courier व logistics कंपनियाँ शामिल हैं। नंबर सीधे पात्र संस्था को मिलेंगे, aggregator को नहीं; टेलीकॉम कंपनियों को 90 दिन में onboarding पूरी करनी है। इन नंबरों से प्रचार (promotional) कॉल नहीं की जा सकती।
What TRAI has directed
According to a release of the Ministry of Communications dated 10 August 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued that day a Direction on the use of 1601-series numbers for transactional and service calls by entities in sectors other than Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) and Government. BFSI and Government entities use numbers from the 1600 series, issued earlier.
TRAI says a separate series has been given to the other sectors, considering the critical and sensitive nature of BFSI and Government communications, so that important financial voice calls are not mixed with service and transactional calls from other sectors. The 1601 series has been allotted by the DoT, and its implementation will be phase-wise.
Who is covered in Phase I
| Sector | Entities named in the release |
|---|---|
| Utilities | Electricity distribution companies, water utilities, city gas distribution companies, LPG distribution entities and such other utility service providers |
| Logistics and courier services | Courier companies, express logistics companies, parcel delivery service providers, freight and logistics service providers engaged in delivery of consignments |
The release says these sectors were chosen for Phase I on the basis of consultations with stakeholders. It does not say which sectors come next or when.
Key provisions
- Direct allocation: 1601-series numbers will be allocated directly to eligible entities, and not to intermediaries or aggregators, after due verification by the TSPs.
- Time limit: TSPs have been asked to complete migration and onboarding of eligible Phase-I entities within 90 days from the date of issue of the order.
- Verification: TSPs shall verify the eligibility of an entity before assigning the numbers.
- Exclusive use: TSPs shall obtain an undertaking from the entity on exclusive use of these numbers for service and transactional voice calls.
- No promotional calls: the numbers shall not be used for promotional voice calls by any entity.
Why TRAI is doing this
TRAI expects the series to become a tool against impersonation by fraudsters who use normal 10-digit numbers and falsely claim to represent legitimate businesses. A distinct numbering identity, it says, will let consumers easily identify legitimate service and transactional calls.
What utilities and courier companies should do
The 90-day obligation in the release is placed on the TSPs, who have to migrate and onboard eligible entities. An electricity, water, gas or LPG distributor, or a courier, parcel or logistics company, that makes service or transactional calls to customers should expect its TSP to verify its eligibility and ask for the undertaking. The number is allotted to the entity itself, not to an aggregator, and promotional calls must be kept off the 1601 series.
Questions and answers
What is the 1601 series?
A numbering series allotted by the DoT for service and transactional voice calls by entities in sectors other than BFSI and Government. BFSI and Government entities use the 1600 series.
Which businesses are covered first?
Phase I covers utilities — electricity distribution companies, water utilities, city gas distribution companies, LPG distribution entities and similar providers — and logistics and courier services, including courier, express logistics, parcel delivery and freight companies engaged in delivery of consignments.
Can a 1601 number be taken through an aggregator?
No. The release says the numbers will be allocated directly to eligible entities, and not to intermediaries or aggregators, after due verification by the telecom service providers.
Can promotional calls be made from a 1601 number?
No. The numbers are for service and transactional voice calls only, and shall not be used for promotional voice calls by any entity.
What is the time limit?
Telecom service providers have been asked to complete migration and onboarding of eligible Phase-I entities within 90 days from the date of issue of the order.
Published 10 August 2026. Updated 10 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.