TRAI Tightens Rules to Curb Spam Calls and Text Messages

Complaint Window for Spam Calls/SMS

Customers could file complaints within 3 days of receiving spam.

Complaint window extended to 7 days.

Action Timeline for Unregistered Telemarketers (UTMs)

Telcos had 30 days to take action.

Telcos must act within 5 days.

Threshold for Action Against Spammers

Action was taken if 10 complaints in 7 days were received.

Action now triggered by 5 complaints in 10 days.

SMS Header Tagging for Message Type

No clear tagging system for easy identification.

SMS headers must be tagged with:
“-P” (Promotional)
“-S” (Service)
“-T” (Transactional)
“-G” (Government)

Number Series for Telemarketing

Telemarketers used 10-digit numbers or 140 series.

10-digit numbers banned for telemarketing.
140 series for promotional calls.
1600 series introduced for service/transactional calls.

Action Against Repeat Violators

General warnings or disconnections without strict penalties.

- 1st Violation: 15-day bar on outgoing services.
- Repeat Violations: Disconnection of all telecom resources (including PRI/SIP trunks) for 1 year and blacklisting.

Penalties on Telcos for Misreporting Spam Complaints

Not explicitly defined.

Financial disincentives:
₹2 lakh (1st instance)
₹5 lakh (2nd)
₹10 lakh (subsequent).

Detection Mechanism (Spam Analysis)

No AI-based detection mandated.

Mandatory use of AI/analytics to detect patterns like:
- High call volumes
- Short durations
- Low incoming/outgoing ratios

User Opt-Out from Promotional Messages

Not strictly enforced.

Telcos must provide opt-out mechanism, with opt-in option anytime.

Telemarketer Registration Requirements

Basic registration process.

Mandatory physical verification, biometric authentication, and mobile number linking.

Reporting Tools (DND App)

DND app outdated and rarely used.

Revamped DND app launched for easy spam reporting by use