The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allocated a separate 10-digit numbering series starting with 160 for service and transactional calls made by government, regulators, and financial entities.
According to an office memorandum issued, the 10-digit number series has been designed by DoT in a manner that telecom subscribers will get an idea about calling entities as well as the telecom operator and the place from where it has originated.
The move is aimed at helping subscribers differentiate between calls made by government bodies and regulated entities from those made by fraudsters masquerading as government officials.
The 10-digit number will be issued in 1600ABCXXX format for government and regulators where AB will show the code of telecom circle like 11 for Delhi, 22 for Mumbai, etc and the digit at C place will show the code of telecom operator. Meanwhile, the XXX will be digits between 000-999.
Furthermore, for financial entities regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), the 10-digit number will be issued in 1601ABCXXX format.
