The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has tightened regulations to combat the issue of unsolicited commercial communication. The authority has announced hefty fines of up to Rs 10 lakh for those engaging in marketing calls. A new Do-Not-Disturb (DND) app has also been introduced, allowing mobile users to customize their preferences for marketing calls. With the latest guidelines under the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), fines ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh will now be imposed on unsolicited commercial communications (UCC). Repeat offenders could face fines escalating to Rs 10 lakh.
For financial-related commercial communication, initial violations will incur a fine of Rs 2 lakh; the second violation will lead to a Rs 5 lakh penalty, and repeated violations will attract the maximum fine of Rs 10 lakh. In addition, the updated DND app now provides features to block promotional messages, file complaints, and track the status of those complaints.
TRAI has detailed the new guidelines through its official social media channels. These rules apply exclusively to calls or messages sent to mobile numbers and do not cover OTT apps like WhatsApp. The regulator has also mandated telecom companies—Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL—to monitor key parameters of calls and SMS in real time. This includes tracking high call volumes, SMS patterns, short call durations, and frequent SIM card changes.
Under the new guidelines, mobile users will have a straightforward way to identify commercial messages. Registered telemarketers’ message headers will now end with ‘-P’, ‘-S’, ‘-T’, or ‘-G’, indicating promotional, service, transactional, and government messages, respectively. Any messages lacking these specific headers will be deemed fraudulent.
The time allowed for customers to report unsolicited commercial communication has been extended from 3 days to 7 days. Additionally, the time frame for telecom companies to address any complaints has been significantly reduced from 30 days to just 5 days. This change will greatly benefit millions of mobile users by ensuring quicker action on their complaints. As a result of these new regulations, unregistered telemarketers will no longer be able to reach out to consumers.
Those who violate TRAI’s new guidelines for the first time will face a 15-day call blocking period. Repeat offenders may be permanently blacklisted from making calls. The rules now include action against telemarketing calls or messages sent from regular 10-digit mobile numbers, which constitutes a breach of the regulations. TRAI has also introduced a new number series for promotional calls, starting with 1600, replacing the previous 140 series used for such communications.
ALSO READ: Google Pay to support voice-activated UPI payments with new AI integration
Top News
New Delhi Stampede: Railways probing ‘fake news’ link to tragic incident, says Union minister
Sanam Teri Kasam re-release: Amitabh Bachchan gives shoutout, Harshvardhan, Mawra react
New Zealand continue winning run in Pakistan, prevail in Champions Trophy warm-up vs Afghanistan
Latest News
TRAI rules: Promotional calls, SMS to have standardised identifiers; fines increased for violations
7 amazing facts about Indian Railways that everyone must know
Ajax Engineering IPO listing: Shares list at Rs 593 on BSE, a discount of 5.7 per cent
Egg vs Paneer: Which is a healthier protein source for weight loss?
© 2009-2025 Independent News Service. All rights reserved.
Haqiqat Kya Hai: What triggered deadly rush at 9:55? Who’s responsible for chaos?
Muqabla: Who is responsible for 18 deaths? Who is to blame for the stampede?
NDLS Stampede:Railways Cancels 9 trains from Delhi, Special Provisions Enforced At Prayagraj Station
Speed News: Stampede Breaks Out at New Delhi Railway Station Claiming 18 Lives
Raghav Chadha Blames Railways Over Mismanagement for New Delhi Railway Station Stampede
Delhi-NCR earthquake: PM Modi urges to stay calm after strong tremors felt across north India
Delhi-NCR earthquake: ‘It felt like bridge or something collapsed’, people react to magnitude 4 jolt
Delhi-NCR earthquake: CCTV captures moments when tremors hit national capital | Video
PM Modi meets President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan
US deported 116 Indian nationals, women and children unrestrained during flight: Sources
UAE expands visa-on-arrival facility for Indians, check eligibility criteria, visa fees
Flooding, deadly storms leave at least 9 dead in US, Kentucky reports highest casualties
Jaishankar meets Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, discusses bilateral ties, BIMSTEC
UN report: ISIL planned large-scale attacks in India, foiled by Modi govt vigilance
Pakistan: Drought emergency imposed in Rawalpindi amid severe water crisis
New Zealand continue winning run in Pakistan, prevail in Champions Trophy warm-up vs Afghanistan
Gujarat Giants break chasing jinx in WPL, beat UP Warriorz to register first win while batting secon
Ranji Trophy semifinal streaming: When and where to watch Mumbai vs Vidarbha and Gujarat vs Kerala?
DC vs RCB, WPL 2025 Dream11 prediction: Best picks for Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
IPL 2025 schedule: Why are RCB and MI playing against each other only once in group stage? Explained
Sanam Teri Kasam re-release: Amitabh Bachchan gives shoutout, Harshvardhan, Mawra react
Nivin Pauly becomes ‘India’s first multiverse superhero’, shares poster of Multiverse Manmadhan
Alia Bhatt-Ranbir Kapoor’s daughter Raha’s reaction to magic trick at Jeh’s birthday goes viral
BAFTA 2025: Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light in contention, when and where to watch in India
Ileana D’Cruz confirms second pregnancy with husband Michael Dolan; see pic
Egg vs Paneer: Which is a healthier protein source for weight loss?
Say goodbye to exam stress with balanced diet; know from experts what to eat and avoid while studyin
Using too much toothpaste while brushing your teeth can be harmful, know how much to take
Stair Climbing vs Walking: Which exercise is better for weight loss?
Love eating green peas? Know the right way to store this green vegetable to keep fresh for longer