DoT to allocate landline number for pesky callers, relief soon

Telephone users can expect relief from pesky calls as DoT is working on a new landline number series for telemarketing companies which can be identified.

"Trai chairman met us. We are working on the issues. Details are being worked out. Hope to issue (landline) numbers soon," R Chandrashekhar, secretary, Department of Telecommunications, told PTI when asked about status of landline number series allocation for tele-marketing companies.

Chandrashekhar did not commit any time line for issuing these identifiable number series.

A DoT official involved in the process said the new number series to be allocated for tele-marketing companies will be of 10-digits.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India in its regulation to curb unsolicited calls and SMSes has asked DoT to allocate identifiable series similar to the number allocated for mobile phone connections.

DoT allocated 140 number series for mobile phone connections of tele-marketers.

However, allocating 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 landline, the series will be sent to security agencies for approval.

The number will be finally given to telecom operators after security agencies clear the plan.