TRAI starts phased rollout of 1601-series numbers for service and transactional calls
TRAI on 10 August 2026 directed phase-wise use of the 1601 number series for service and transactional calls by entities outside banking and government, starting with utilities, courier and logistics firms.
Summary
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a direction on 10 August 2026 for the use of 1601-series numbers for service and transactional calls by entities in sectors other than Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) and government, which use the 1600 series. Phase-I covers the utilities, courier and logistics sectors. Numbers will be allotted directly to verified entities, not to aggregators, and telecom service providers must complete onboarding within 90 days. The separate series keeps important financial calls apart from other service calls.
Key facts
- Regulator
- TRAI, direction of 10 Aug 2026
- New series
- 1601 – non-BFSI, non-government entities
- Existing series
- 1600 – BFSI and government
- Phase-I sectors
- Utilities, courier, logistics
- Onboarding deadline
- 90 days
- Allotment
- Directly to entities, not aggregators
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under TRAI's August 2026 direction, which number series will be used for service and transactional calls by utilities, courier and logistics firms?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1601
The 1601 series is for non-BFSI, non-government entities, starting with utilities, courier and logistics in Phase-I; the 1600 series is for BFSI and government.
Within how many days must telecom service providers onboard Phase-I entities onto the 1601 series under TRAI's August 2026 direction?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 90 days
Telecom service providers must complete migration and onboarding of Phase-I entities within 90 days of the order.