What is the 1600 Series?
The 1600 Series is a TRAI-mandated voice numbering series introduced to protect consumers from fraud and misuse of telecom resources. Allocated by telecom service providers and governed through DLT-based registration and usage controls, the 1600 Series ensures that only verified, compliant service and transactional calls reach customers. Enterprises can provision, migrate, and operationalize 1600 numbers using a DLT-mapped, governed framework, ensuring alignment with TRAI, RBI, IRDAI, and SEBI directives while maintaining scalability and operational continuity.
Why was the 1600 Series introduced?
Allocated by telecom service providers and governed through DLT-based registration and usage controls, the 1600 Series ensures that only verified, compliant service and transactional calls reach customers to minimise the probable frauds and establish trust between calling entity & recipient.
Who has mandated the 1600 Series?
The mandate has been issued by TRAI, with adoption reinforced by RBI, IRDAI, SEBI, and PFRDA. This makes compliance mandatory for regulated entities across sectors.
Is adoption to the 1600 Series mandatory?
Yes. For service and transactional communication adoption is mandatory for regulated entities as per notified regulatory timelines. Non-compliance may lead to call blocking or regulatory action.
Can mobile numbers still be used for service calls?
No. After the regulatory cut-off, 10-digit mobile numbers cannot be used for service and transactional outbound calls.
Can 1600 Series numbers be used for promotional calls?
No. The 1600 Series is strictly for service and transactional communication. Promotional or marketing usage is not permitted.
Is DLT registration required for the 1600 Series?
Yes. DLT registration of headers and templates is mandatory to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance.
Which industries does this apply to?
It applies to banks, NBFCs, insurance companies, capital market intermediaries, pension funds, and other entities regulated by RBI, IRDAI, SEBI, and PFRDA.
How does the 1600 Series reduce fraud?
1600 series can only be issued to the entities regulated by RBI, IRDAI, SEBI, and PFRDA hence It prevents misuse of ambiguous or spoofed caller IDs, making it easier for customers to identify legitimate service calls.
Will customers recognise calls from the 1600 Series?
Yes. The 1600 prefix signals verified service and transactional communication, improving customer trust and call acceptance.
Does adoption to the 1600 Series disrupt operations?
No. With planned adoption and cutover support, customer communication continues withal most no to low disruption.
Can the 1600 Series support remote or scattered branches?
Yes. It can be delivered via SIP Trunk, PRI, or Internet Telephony, enabling compliance even in remote locations.
Is the 1600 Series available across India?
Yes. The 1600 Series is available pan-India with circle-wise allocation.