TRAI has implemented new rules on spam calls. AI will now identify suspicious numbers. Robocalls will be charged up to 5 paise per minute, and strict action will be taken against repeat spammers.

TRAI Spam Call Rules 2026

Hearing a recorded voice as soon as you pick up the phone - Telecom regulator TRAI has tightened regulations for those troubled by repeated spam calls and fake numbers. The new rules include regulations for telecom companies to charge for robocalls, use AI to identify spammers, and new rules for spam reporting apps.

Robocalls will be charged up to 5 paise per minute.

Now, companies must first report automated or AI-based calls to their telecom companies. Calls made without such information could be considered spam.

If such a call reaches a customer on another company's network, the receiving telecom company may charge the sending company up to 5 paise per minute. This charge will not apply to the average mobile customer.

However, this charge will not be applicable on calls made from fixed number series like 140, 1600 and 1601.

AI will tell who is spamming

TRAI has also incorporated the use of AI to detect spam into its regulations. If the AI ​​system identifies a number as a suspected spammer, the information will be sent to the telecom company. This will then allow other numbers associated with the same person or company to be investigated.

If five or more of a person's numbers are found to be involved in spam activity within 10 days, their KYC may be re-verified. If necessary, verification will also be conducted at their home or office. Outgoing service for all numbers may be suspended for 15 days if irregularities are found.

There is also a way for numbers mistakenly marked as spam to voice their concerns and be removed from the spam list after verification.

Strictness will also be imposed on complaints of spam.

The new rules also simplify the process for taking action based on complaints. If three complaints are received against a number and the AI ​​also identifies it as a spammer, action can be taken. The old five-complaint rule has also been retained.

Repeated spam activity may result in the suspension of all numbers for up to one year and the individual or entity involved being blacklisted.

Spam reporting apps will also have to follow the rules.

TRAI has also established rules for call management apps that identify and block spam. Such apps cannot automatically flag every call from a government or TRAI-designated number series as spam.

Additionally, the app's "Report Spam" feature will only be valid if the complaint reaches the telecom companies' DLT systems. This means that simply submitting a complaint on the app won't resolve the matter; it will also need to reach the complaint response system.

Changes in DND settings as well

Those who have selected the FULLY BLOCK option via 1909 will also see their settings changed to BLOCK PROMO. This will block promotional calls and messages, but they will continue to receive OTPs, bank alerts, delivery updates, flight information, and important government messages.

To completely block promotional messages, the BLOCK PROMO option can be used through 1909.

Action should be taken if fake messages are sent using the company's name.

There are also new rules to prevent fraudsters from misusing a Sender ID bearing a bank or company's name. Such Sender IDs can be blocked within six hours. The company whose name has been misused will be required to change its password and API, as well as file a police complaint.

When will the rules come into effect?

According to TRAI, different provisions will come into effect at different times. Most rules will come into effect 30 days after publication in the Gazette. Rules related to reporting robocalls and charges up to 5 paise per minute will come into effect after 60 days. Some provisions, such as AI and integrated complaint processing, will come into effect after 90 days.

According to TRAI data, more than 1.149 million complaints regarding spam were received between January and April 2026. In April alone, 20,591 connections were disconnected due to spam activity. The new rules aim to curb such fraudulent and harassing calls.