Trai sets May 1 deadline for telcos to review detect system for barring pesky calls, unwanted SMSes

The sector regulator has set a May 1 deadline for telcos to review the implementation of a detect system using artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) technologies to counter the menace of unsolicited commercial communications (UCC), or unwanted text messages and calls.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has also called for further tightening of the registration exercise of principal entities (PEs) and tele-marketers (TMs) and asked telcos to review the implementation of the regulatory sandbox drill for detecting unwanted text messages and calls.

On Monday, Trai chairman P D Vaghela and secretary V Raghunandan met all telecom operators to discuss ways to stop pesky calls and unwanted text messages. A recent national survey by LocalCircles found that a whopping 66% of mobile users continue to get three or even more pesky calls every day and most originate from personal mobile numbers.

Among other key decisions, Trai has also directed the PEs to block unused headers and templates within 30/60 days respectively.

Back in July 2018, Trai had issued rules, making it mandatory for mobile carriers to seek subscriber consent for receiving unsolicited commercial communications (UCC) from telemarketers. It had also mandated deployment of blockchain – or digital ledger technology (DLT) used to manage crypto-currencies -- to ensure telemarketing messages are sent only to subscribers from authorised entities.

Under those regulations, companies that wish to connect with interested mobile users have to confirm their identity through a system of “headers” registered in their name, and telcos need to provide a mechanism to digitally record and revoke consent of their customers.

Separately, the regulator has directed telcos to use a new number series for sending important voice calls for transactions or service-related notifications. It also wants telcos to share the list of suspected spammers and scammers on a common platform and block message transactions proactively.

Trai has also issued directions to ensure all voice-based telemarketers are brought under a common DLT platform for more effective monitoring of pesky calls and unwanted messages. It also wants operators to actively use AI/ML based anti-phishing systems and implement tech solutions on the DLT platform to deal with promotional voice calls.

The latest measures are part of Trai’s multi-pronged approach to address the UCC problem through technical solutions, regulations, directions and close monitoring.

Back in February, Vaghela had chaired a meeting of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCOR) to implement UCC detect solutions to counter the menace. The JCOR consists of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities & Exchanges Board of India (Sebi) and the ministry of consumer affairs (MoCA). The JCOR has been mandated to frame a joint action plan to curb financial fraud using telecom resources.