Telecom Operators Fined ₹150 Crore for Failing to Curb Spam Calls and Messages

Telecom regulator Trai has imposed a hefty fine of ₹150 crore on telecom operators for failing to effectively prevent spam calls and messages. The penalty comes as a result of complaints about operators improperly closing customer grievances and not taking appropriate action against spammers. This fine has been levied for a period of three years.

Trai Takes Strong Action Against Telecom Operators

Telecom operators have faced this substantial fine due to their failure to comply with regulations, especially when it comes to handling customer complaints about spam and fraud. Trai’s decision stems from operators’ inability to take action against spammers as required under the rules. As per the norms, telecom service providers (TSPs) can face a fine of up to ₹50 lakh per license service area each month if they fail to address spam-related issues.

The penalty is not due to the operators themselves sending spam but because they did not take appropriate action against those using their networks to send spam messages or make fraudulent calls.

Trai Cracks Down on Spammer Connections

During its audit of complaints, Trai discovered that telecom service providers were often improperly closing customer complaints, rather than addressing them according to regulations. As part of its efforts to curb spam, Trai has cut off over 21 lakh spammer connections and blacklisted more than 1 lakh entities. In September 2024, after a directive issued by Trai in August 2024, nearly 18.8 lakh spammer connections were disconnected, and over 1,150 entities were blacklisted.

Trai has also introduced a DND (Do Not Disturb) app to make it easier for users to register complaints with just 4-6 clicks.

New Measures to Address Spam

The regulator has tightened the rules for dealing with spam calls and messages. Now, action can be initiated against a spammer if five complaints are received about the same number within 10 days. While registered telemarketers have strict guidelines to follow, most spam is now sent by unregistered individuals using 10-digit mobile numbers. Blocking a phone number is no longer enough, as spammers frequently change their numbers.

To tackle this, Trai has mandated that banks, financial services, and insurance companies use specific 1600-series numbers for transactional and service calls. Similarly, government agencies are required to use these numbers for calling citizens. Despite these measures, spam and fraud calls continue to plague users regularly.

This move by Trai comes as part of an ongoing effort to curb the growing menace of spam and ensure a more secure telecom environment for consumers.