TRAI rolls out 1601 verified-call series for utility, courier and logistics operators

As spam complaints rise, TRAI is introducing the 1601 number series for verified service calls, giving retailers, delivery firms and logistics operators a clearer way to identify legitimate customer communications and curb impersonation.

— Source published Sun, 16 Aug, 2026, 18:00 IST · First seen Sun, 16 Aug, 2026, 18:22 IST · Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

What happened

TRAI has begun rolling out the 1601 number series for verified utility, courier and logistics calls as India’s spam complaints rise sharply. The change affects

Key facts

  • 24.4 billion suspected spam calls and messages flagged in April-June 2026
  • 13.16 billion promotional calls routed via 140 series in April-June 2026
  • 1.48 billion promotional calls blocked through DND preferences
  • 31.09 lakh UCC complaints in 2025
  • 1601 series launched for utilities, courier and logistics service calls

Why this matters

Evaluate partnerships or acquisitions in verified-calling, consent management and communications-authentication technology as TRAI’s new series makes trusted customer contact a more strategic omni-channel capability.