Telecom Regulator Fines Telcos Rs 110 Crore Over Pesky Calls

DoT Introduces 10-Digit Numbering Series for Government and Financial Calls

The government has intensified its crackdown on mobile operators in response to the increasing nuisance of persistent pesky calls and financial frauds. Telecom regulator Trai has imposed a fine of Rs 110 crore as a “financial disincentive” on operators. Additionally, the government has successfully recovered an amount of nearly Rs 1,000 crore, which was pilfered by cybercriminals, aiding nearly four lakh users in reclaiming their funds. Detailing the extensive action against pesky calls and fraudulent telecom activities, the government revealed that it has disconnected 55.5 lakh mobile connections obtained through fake or forged documents. Consequently, nearly 9.9 lakh bank accounts and payment wallets linked to these connections have been frozen. 

In a statement to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan disclosed that 2.8 lakh mobile connections were severed due to their involvement in cybercrime or financial frauds, as reported by law enforcement agencies through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Additionally, approximately 1.3 million connections were blocked for their association with cybercrime or financial fraud activities. Concurrently, as measures were taken against these mobile connections, 2.2 lakh WhatsApp accounts linked to disconnected mobile connections obtained through fraudulent means were also deactivated. The government has initiated a series of actions against telecom companies for their failure to stem the tide of unsolicited commercial communication (UCC) directed at millions of mobile customers, despite the implementation of various countermeasures that have largely proven ineffective. 

Chauhan emphasized that several measures have been implemented to shield consumers from pesky calls and spam commercial messages. “Trai has issued the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018, and directives are issued periodically. Users have the option to block commercial communications in specific categories or all of them,” he stated. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

SIM Port Process Time Eased by DoT
Regulatory

SIM Port Process Time Eased by DoT

In a move to enhance customer convenience, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has revised guidelines to simplify the process of switching between prepaid and postpaid mobile connections. As per the directive issued on June 10, 2025, users can now switch plans more easily using a One-Time Password (OTP) and benefit from a reduced cooling-off period.  […]

Read More
AI to Reshape Telecom India Hosts Global ITU Meet on Future-Ready Networks
Regulatory Worldwide Innovation

AI to Reshape Telecom: India Hosts Global ITU Meet on Future-Ready Networks

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a cornerstone of next-generation telecommunications, revolutionizing how networks operate and enabling advanced services such as immersive digital experiences, autonomous systems, and real-time network optimization, a senior official from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) stated today.  At the third meeting of the ITU-T Focus Group on AI-Native for Telecommunication Networks (FG-AINN), […]

Read More
BSNL and MTNL Preference to be Given for Telecom Services, Says DoT
Regulatory

BSNL and MTNL to be Preferred for Telecom Services, Says DoT

In a bid to strengthen data security, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has formally recommended that state governments prioritize using Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) for their telecom needs—covering internet, broadband, landlines, and leased lines.  Rationale Behind the Push  The advisory, sent in letters dated April 8 to chief secretaries, […]

Read More