Spam calls: In a decisive move to tackle the problem of spam calls, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced strict action against companies misusing bulk connections. Telecom operators will have to discontinue the services of any company making spam calls through PRI or SIP connections with immediate effect.
This ban will be for two years
Companies doing so will be blacklisted or banned by all operators for two years. TRAI has stressed the urgent need to deal with the problem of spam calls, which continues to be a nuisance for consumers. The regulator held a meeting with telecom service providers (TSPs) to discuss the matter and finalise these stringent measures.
What did TRAI say in its warning message?
“This information will be shared by the TSP with all other TSPs, who in turn will disconnect all telecom services provided to that entity and blacklist it for a period of up to two years,” TRAI said in a release.
Apart from cracking down on spam calls, TRAI has mandated that all messages containing unverified URLs or APKs will be blocked from September 1, 2024. Telecom operators have also been given a deadline till October 31, 2024 to implement systems that ensure traceability of message flow.
TRAI said- there is an urgent need for strict action
“The technical implementation of entity and telemarketer chain binding to ensure traceability of messages shall be completed by the TSPs by October 31, 2024,” a TRAI release said.
TRAI also highlighted that there is an urgent need to take strict action against spammers using PRI/SIP connections for voice calls/robo calls/pre-recorded calls. “All telecom service providers pledged to extend full cooperation to TRAI to curb the menace of spam calls and implement all its directions in a timely manner,” TRAI said.
Spam calls that scam people will not be tolerated
TRAI has made it clear that it will not tolerate spam calls and is committed to taking strict action against those responsible. Telecom operators have been directed to fully cooperate with TRAI in implementing these measures. This latest development is part of TRAI's ongoing efforts to protect customers from unwanted and annoying calls.