The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is set to intensify its efforts to combat the rising issue of spam and unsolicited calls, according to TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti. Speaking at the India SatCom 2024 event organized by the Broadband India Forum (BIF), Lahoti announced that the regulator will review and fortify existing regulations to tackle the problem of pesky calls.
In recent months, consumer complaints about unauthorized telemarketing communications have surged, prompting TRAI to take a tougher stance. Lahoti emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “We had an interaction with service providers on spam calls and that is the next thing on our table. We will work seriously…we will plug any loopholes that people are finding on existing regulations to tighten (the checks on) spam call issue.”
During a meeting held on Tuesday, TRAI conveyed a stern message to service providers and their telemarketers, urging them to implement effective measures to curb bulk communications via voice calls. The immediate actions sought from stakeholders, particularly access service providers (telcos) and their telemarketers, include the adoption of technical solutions for traceability and the prevention of bulk calling by enterprise customers using 10-digit numbers.
Regarding the increase in fraud and scams conducted over calls, Lahoti explained that a joint committee of regulators is working collaboratively to address these issues. He noted, “The role of TRAI comes in controlling spam calls. Where it is fraudster or scammer…it also becomes an issue of law enforcement where the Ministry of Home Affairs… and financial sector regulator also plays a role.”
On the topic of enhancing criminal liability as a deterrent, Lahoti stated, “We will review regulations to make it strong and very strict as far as control of spam is concerned…As far as the scam is concerned that falls in the domain of law.”
ALSO READ: Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Paris Olympics for Weight Limit Violation; PM Modi Expresses Support
