If you receive loan, credit card, insurance or other promotional calls on your phone daily, then in the coming time, the system of telecom companies is going to become more strict to stop such spam. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India i.e. TRAI has issued the third amendment in the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations , in which the technical system for identification and action against spam or unwanted commercial communication has been strengthened. This amendment was issued on 18 September 2026.
The new framework requires telecom companies to identify suspicious unsolicited commercial communications using a UCC_Detect system based on AI and machine learning . The goal is to ensure that spam detection is not solely based on customer complaints, but also identifies suspicious activity at the network level.
2 hours time limit after suspicious number identification
Under the new rules, when an access provider’s AI/ML-based system flags a number as a UCC (spam sender), the relevant information must be transmitted within two hours to the network from which the call or communication originated. The provider will then be required to take further action based on its customer records and KYC information.
It also sets out procedures for sharing information about unique KYC identifiers associated with the number and identifying other telecom resources associated with the same identity.
Action can be taken even if one person receives spam from multiple numbers.
An important aspect of the rules is that action cannot be limited to a single number from which a suspicious communication was sent. If an investigation reveals the use of multiple telecommunications resources linked to the same KYC identity for unsolicited commercial communications, the other connections involved may also be investigated and action taken.
Under TRAI’s current system, if a sender receives valid complaints from at least five different recipients in the last 10 days, outgoing services on all telecom resources can be suspended for 15 days for the first violation. Repeat violations could result in disconnection of all telecom resources for up to one year and the sender being blacklisted at the level of all access providers for one year.
Rules regarding 1600 series numbers also
TRAI has also introduced separate numbering arrangements for commercial and service calls. In August 2026, TRAI issued guidelines for allocation and operation of the 1601 numbering series for entities in other sectors.
The purpose of this numbering system is to help customers distinguish between official service and transactional calls. However, whether a mobile app can arbitrarily block a particular number as spam will depend on the app and applicable regulations; therefore, it would not be accurate to call this a blanket “ban” applicable to all calling apps.
What can you do to stop spam calls?
If you want to reduce promotional calls and messages, you can use TRAI’s DND (Do Not Disturb) system . Customers can enter or change their business communication preferences through 1909. Preferences can also be managed through TRAI’s DND feature and the associated app.
Keep in mind that it’s not correct to assume that a generic “BLOCK PROMO” message applies to all commercial messages. TRAI’s official system provides designated codes and priority registration options for different commercial categories.
How much will the customers benefit?
The most important aspect of the new rules is that they attempt to make spam detection more network-based and automated . This could expedite action in cases where the same person or entity uses multiple numbers or telecommunications resources to send unsolicited commercial communications.
However, this doesn’t mean that AI will immediately disconnect the SIM card for every suspicious call . Regulatory processes are in place for identification, verification, KYC matching, and appropriate action.
Overall, TRAI’s new amendment is a significant step towards strengthening telecom network monitoring and action against spam calls and messages. Customers also have the DND feature and the option to lodge a complaint or priority via 1909.