The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is believed to be working on a new landline number series for telemarketing companies.
However, the timeline for issuing these identifiable number series has not been determined. It is believed that the new series will be of 10-digits.
Prior to this, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, in an attempt to curb unsolicited calls and text messages, had asked DoT to allocate an identifiable series, similar to the number allocated for mobile phone connections. DoT allocated the 140 number series for telemarketers? mobile numbers.
However, allocating a similar series for landline connections (which would have worked out to be 13 digit numbers) could have resulted in technical, billing and security issues. Once DoT completes the process of finalising the new 10-digit number series for landlines, the series will be sent to security agencies for approval.
The number will then be given to operators after obtaining clearance from security agencies.
