TRAI has made full preparations to take action against fake calls and SMS. The telecom regulator is going to bring new rules regarding commercial calls, which have a provision to block the SIM of those who commit mistakes. TRAI has released a 113-page consultation paper related to this, in which new rules have been made regarding commercials i.e. marketing calls and messages. Along with this, the regulator has also released the data of SIM cards blocked for making mistakes in the last two years.

The telecom regulator has listed new rules for registered and unregistered telemarketers in its consultation paper, violation of which includes provisions ranging from heavy fines to blocking of SIM cards. According to TRAI's new rules, if more than 50 outgoing voice calls and messages are made daily from any SIM card, then it will be investigated. If misuse of rules is found in the investigation, then the SIM card will be blocked.

There will be a usage cap

TRAI has taken a big step to prevent financial fraud. If more than one SIM card is used for making calls and sending messages, it will be investigated. The telecom regulator has also set a usage cap for unregistered telemarketers, according to which a maximum of 20 outgoing calls and 20 outgoing messages can be made in a day from any mobile number (unregistered telemarketer).

SIM cards will be blocked

Those who violate the rules for the first time will be issued a warning. If the rule is violated for the second time, the usage cap will be imposed for 6 months. On the other hand, if the rules are violated three or more times, the SIM card will be blocked for two years. Also, the access provider will be blacklisted.

TRAI said in its consultation paper that more than 59 thousand SIM cards have been blocked in the financial year 2022 and 2023. A total of 32,032 SIM cards have been blocked in 2022 and a total of 27,043 SIM cards have been blocked in 2023. If the telecom regulator receives a complaint regarding any number, a warning will be issued first and then action will be taken. The regulator has sought the opinion of stakeholders on its new consultation paper by 25 September 2024.