Spam clean-up: 21 lakh numbers axed, just 1 complaint per crore calls, says Trai chairman
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Trai is stepping up its multi-pronged crackdown on spam and fraudulent calls, even as it pushes telcos on compliance, tightens financial penalties and prepares for AI-driven networks and indoor 5G connectivity, Anil Kumar Lahoti tells Moneycontrol
- Spam complaints in India dropped to 1 per crore calls and SMS, says Trai chairman
- AI and blockchain-based filtering credited for sharp decline in spam complaints
- 21 lakh numbers disconnected and stricter enforcement led to 30–35 percent drop
Spam complaints in Indias have dropped to just one per crore voice calls and SMS transactions, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) chairman AK Lahoti said, crediting the huge drop to intensified enforcement drive powered by blockchain-based filtering and AI-led spam detection.
The sharp decline follows a sweeping crackdown that led to the disconnection of 21 lakh numbers, tighter scrutiny of telemarketers and expanded consumer complaint mechanisms, even as the regulator continues to push telcos on compliance and financial penalties.
In an interview to Moneycontrol, Lahoti said Trai is stepping up its multi-pronged crackdown on spam and fraudulent calls, even as it pushes telcos on compliance, tightens financial penalties and prepares the ecosystem for AI-driven networks and indoor 5G connectivity. Edited excerpts of the interview:
What progress has Trai made in tackling unsolicited commercial communication (UCC)?
Trai deals with two aspects — unsolicited commercial communication or spam, and communication that is not trustworthy. We have addressed both.
For unsolicited commercial communication, we built a blockchain-based DLT framework that enables legitimate commercial messages while allowing consumers to opt out. Every day, about 220 crore voice calls and SMS pass through the DLT platform as legitimate communication, while around 7.5 crore are blocked because consumers have exercised their choice.
This applies to registered telemarketers, who must register on the DLT platform. Legitimate communication passes, and blocked communication is stopped.
When spam started coming through personal numbers, we encouraged telecom service providers to deploy AI-based solutions. All three private operators now use AI to detect such patterns and nearly 31 crore calls or messages are flagged as spam daily.
Together, blockchain and AI are blocking or flagging spam at scale. In fact, per crore of voice calls and SMS transacted, the number of complaints is only one, which reflects the effectiveness of this mechanism
Beyond spam blocking, what steps have you taken to make telecom communication more trustworthy?
Over the last one to one-and-a-half years, we have taken several measures. We restricted malicious URLs by allowing only whitelisted URLs in the registered telemarketing ecosystem. To curb misuse by intermediaries, we introduced PE-TM (principal entity–telemarketer) chain binding, so the entire sender-to-telemarketer chain is traceable, enabling action against fraudulent messages.
We also tightened SMS content templates by requiring senders to clearly define variable fields to prevent misuse. Another major step was introducing the 140 and 1600 call series. The 140 series is for promotional calls and is scrubbed through the DLT platform. The 1600 series is for transactional and service calls, especially from the BFSI sector and cannot be blocked, as they are in the consumer’s interest. Earlier, BFSI calls came through random numbers, creating doubt. This system brings greater trust in financial communication.
What action has been taken against entities involved in spamming?
In August 2024, we directed service providers to disconnect and blacklist entities found spamming in violation of regulations. This led to around 21 lakh numbers being disconnected and a significant number of entities being blacklisted. Between August 2024 and March 2025, complaints fell by 30–35 percent. Recognising that consumer complaints are essential for conclusive evidence, we launched extensive awareness campaigns from March 2025 across television, print, radio, social media and SMS.
In February 2025, we allowed complaints irrespective of DND registration and also enabled complaints against personal numbers misused for spam. As a result, enforcement has strengthened, and today there is barely one complaint per crore of voice and SMS calls transacted.
How do you ensure telcos take action against private numbers involved in spamming?
Regulation clearly says if there are five unique complaints against a number within 10 days that number should be disconnected and blacklisted with graded action — first for 15 days, then for a year. We audit their complaint handling. Show-cause notices have been issued wherever violations were found. We scrutinize responses and take action as per regulations.
Trai does not have civil penalty powers like the RBI or the SEBI. How do you ensure compliance?
Unlike most other regulators, Trai does not have powers for civil penalties, that is the provision of the Trai Act. When we impose financial disincentives, they have the right to appeal before TDSAT. In cases where we levied financial disincentives for spamming, they have gone to TDSAT. We are awaiting the decision.
We have proposed that before filing an appeal, a certain percentage of the levied amount should be deposited. That proposal has been sent to the government and is under consideration.
How will displaying a caller’s name on smartphone screens help in addressing spam issues?
In March 2024, Trai recommended that the caller’s name, as per KYC, should be displayed on the receiver’s phone. DoT has accepted this. When you receive a call from an unknown number, the name will be displayed. You can then decide whether to pick it up or be cautious. It must be authentic KYC-based data. It cannot be crowdsourced. As a regulator, if we are asking for a name display, it must be authentic data.
What is Trai doing about poor indoor mobile connectivity?
With 5G and future 6G, indoor connectivity becomes critical. India sees almost 80 percent of mobile data consumption indoors. Higher frequency waves used for high bandwidth weaken inside buildings. So buildings need digital connectivity infrastructure — distributed antenna systems or small cells — just like electricity and water supply. We recommended strengthening provisions in the National Building Code and Model Building Bylaws. The government has accepted recommendations and referred them to relevant ministries and BIS.
We have also introduced a star-rating framework for buildings based on indoor digital connectivity preparedness. A consumer will see a simple star rating. We have issued a regulation, a detailed rating manual, and empanelled 20 agencies to carry out assessments.
What about cost and disputes between developers and telcos?
Typically, indoor infrastructure is installed by a neutral host who provides connectivity to all service providers. So far, this has been under free market conditions.
In Navi Mumbai, there has been a dispute between property owners and service providers. We have received a reference from COAI (the Cellular Operators Association of India). We have asked for details of past agreements to examine charges and terms before deciding the course of action. Properties can be private (residences, shops, offices) or public properties used by the general public. There could be different treatments for both. That will be examined.
Trai had earlier given recommendations on artificial intelligence. Given how fast things are evolving, is there a need to revisit them?
Trai had already given recommendations to the government in 2023 regarding artificial intelligence, obviously to the Department of Telecommunications. Now, as far as AI in telecommunication is concerned, firstly, the entire AI is going to flow through the telecommunication networks. On the other side, telecommunication itself, by way of volume and complexity, is so huge that it has already started using AI. Yes, you are right.
For network planning, for design, network management, prediction of maintenance requirements, fault management, and dealing with consumer requirements and consumer protection in terms of spam and frauds — end to end, AI is working in the telecommunication networks.
So telecom and AI are inseparable. Wherever we are dealing with telecommunication, we have to see the AI architecture wherever it is. I do not think revisiting the earlier recommendation is required because the basic work that had been done there remains valid. However, whenever we are doing any policy recommendations or regulations, wherever there is any AI-related issue, it will naturally be considered. Whenever we are dealing with telecommunication now, you have to keep AI in mind.
Telcos often argue that spam is also happening through OTT platforms. Are Trai and the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) working on this together?
Spam-related issues of OTT platforms have been taken up by Trai with the MeitY body. MeitY is part of the joint committee. So, wherever we are having spam-related discussions, we are part of those discussions. As of now, we have limited roles as far as IT Rules are concerned, and we are doing things under the Trai Act.
With 6G expected around 2029–30, does India need to move more aggressively on spectrum identification?
It is too early. Whatever Trai has recommended for 5G or future use on the spectrum front, when the technology comes in, then only we will examine it further. We are not behind in terms of framing policy. We are at par. Once the standards are framed, then only detailed action can begin.
Why should consumers report spam more?
Consumers must report spam because conclusive evidence is required to act against a spammer, and that comes from complaints. Currently, only about 20 percent of mobile subscribers are registered on the DND platform, so more people need to register and report every spam they receive.
We have made reporting very easy through the Trai DND app. Once installed and permissions are given, spam can be reported in barely five seconds. After reporting, action is taken and feedback is provided. You can even track the status. It is quick and simple — install once, register, and report.
How are you creating awareness about the app? Can telcos promote it more aggressively?
We are running multiple awareness campaigns through television, print, radio, social media, influencers, workshops and consumer advocacy groups to encourage DND registration and reporting.
We have asked telcos to send a reminder once every month. More frequent messages would themselves become spam. There is no fixed target but the more people register and report, the more spam will be eliminated.
What new consultations are coming up?
We will shortly issue a consultation on satellite communication networks. The government has referred the matter to us. Earlier recommendations covered fixed satellite services and mobile satellite services.
We have also completed consultation and open house discussion on IMT spectrum pricing. We are analysing comments and will issue recommendations for the next auction, including new bands referred by the government.
We have issued consultation on domestic leased circuits after a decade and are comprehensively reviewing interconnection regulations dating back to 1999.
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