Description

ICCL advises regulated entities and intermediaries to strictly comply with TRAI directives on using 1600xx-series numbers for service/transactional calls and 140xx-series numbers for promotional calls in the BFSI sector.

Summary

ICCL (Indian Clearing Corporation Limited) has issued a notice reiterating TRAI’s directive requiring BFSI sector entities to use 1600xx-series numbers exclusively for service and transactional voice calls, and 140xx-series numbers for promotional calls. This follows an earlier ICCL Notice (20250627-48 dated June 27, 2025) and a TRAI direction dated November 19, 2025.

Key Points

  • TRAI mandated on November 19, 2025 that BFSI entities must use 1600xx-series numbers exclusively for service and transactional voice calls.
  • Promotional calls must use only 140xx-series numbers.
  • SEBI has directed all regulated entities and intermediaries to adhere to TRAI guidelines.
  • Definitions of transactional, service, and promotional calls per TCCCPR-2018 are enclosed as Annexure-1 for reference.
  • This circular is a continuation/reminder of ICCL Notice No. 20250627-48 dated June 27, 2025.

Regulatory Changes

No new regulatory changes are introduced. This notice reinforces existing TRAI directives under the Telecom Commercial Communications Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018, and SEBI’s advisory to regulated entities to comply with TRAI directions.

Compliance Requirements

  • All members, participants, and regulated entities must strictly use 1600xx-series numbers only for making service and transactional calls.
  • All promotional calls must be made exclusively using 140xx-series numbers.
  • Entities should review the definitions in Annexure-1 (TCCCPR-2018) to correctly classify their communications as transactional, service, or promotional.

Important Dates

  • November 19, 2025: Original TRAI direction on mandatory use of 1600xx and 140xx number series.
  • June 27, 2025: Earlier ICCL Notice No. 20250627-48 on the same subject.
  • May 5, 2026: Date of this reminder notice — compliance is expected immediately.

Impact Assessment

This circular has a moderate operational impact on all BFSI intermediaries and regulated entities that communicate with clients via voice calls. Entities must audit their current telecom infrastructure and ensure correct number series are used for each communication type. Non-compliance could attract regulatory action from TRAI or SEBI. There is no direct impact on trading, market operations, or listed securities.

Impact Justification

Operational compliance requirement for all BFSI intermediaries regarding telecom number series usage; no direct market or trading impact but mandatory regulatory adherence required.