TRAI’s Anti-Spam Efforts Show Results, but Robocalls Persist

Efforts by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to curb spam calls have yielded notable results but revealed emerging challenges. A recent survey highlights both progress and new hurdles, as the rise in robocalls complicates the fight against unsolicited telemarketing.

TRAI’s Action Plan: Blacklists and Disconnections

In August 2024, TRAI rolled out stricter regulations targeting spam calls. Key measures included:

• Blacklisting 50 entities linked to telemarketing violations.

• Disconnecting 2.75 lakh phone numbers used for promotional calls.

These efforts aimed to reduce consumer harassment and ensure compliance with anti-spam guidelines. TRAI also mandated telecom operators to block promotional calls from unregistered telemarketers, warning violators of severe penalties, including up to two years of disconnection.

Impact on Spam Complaints

The immediate impact of these measures has been promising:

• Consumer complaints about spam calls fell by 20% within two months, dropping from 1.89 lakh in August to 1.51 lakh in October 2024.

• A survey conducted by LocalCircles, covering 14,000 mobile subscribers from 309 districts, revealed that 27% of respondents experienced fewer pesky calls.

However, only 9% reported a significant reduction, as robocalls—automated calls from telemarketing systems—surged during the same period, demonstrating the adaptability of violators to circumvent regulations.

Innovative Solutions: The Role of AI

Telecom operators are leveraging technology to address the issue. For instance:

• Bharti Airtel has introduced an AI-powered spam detection tool capable of identifying suspected spam calls and messages in real time.

While these tools represent a leap forward, experts caution that they are only a part of the solution. Robocalls, often originating from sophisticated systems, require advanced strategies for effective containment.

Survey Insights: Mixed Feedback from Users

The LocalCircles survey, which has monitored spam call issues since 2018, underlines mixed reactions:

• A notable segment of users experienced relief from spam calls.

• An increasing number reported an uptick in robocalls, which are harder to detect and block.

What Lies Ahead: Need for Continuous Enforcement

Despite TRAI's significant steps, challenges persist. The rise in robocalls underscores the need for:

1. Enhanced AI-based systems to identify and block robocalls.

2. Stronger penalties to deter violators.

3. Collaboration with global regulators to address international spam call networks.

LocalCircles’ Commitment

LocalCircles has reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation, engaging with TRAI, and urging further action. The organization believes that ongoing enforcement, consumer feedback, and technological innovation are essential for sustained progress.

Conclusion

TRAI's efforts to combat spam calls are showing progress, with a 20% drop in complaints and improved consumer experiences. However, the rise of robocalls presents an evolving challenge, highlighting the adaptability of telemarketers. While AI-powered solutions like Bharti Airtel’s detection tool mark a significant step forward, the fight against unsolicited calls requires continuous enforcement, robust regulations, and consumer cooperation.

The insights from the LocalCircles survey emphasize the importance of listening to public feedback to refine strategies. With sustained efforts, TRAI and telecom operators can tackle these challenges effectively, fostering a more secure and nuisance-free telecom ecosystem for all users.

What is TRAI?

TRAI, or the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, is an independent regulatory body established by the Government of India in 1997 under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. It is responsible for overseeing and regulating the telecommunications sector in India.

Key Functions of TRAI

1. Regulating Telecom Services: Ensures the availability of affordable and quality telecom services across the country.

2. Promoting Competition: Prevents monopolistic practices and promotes fair competition in the telecom industry.

3. Safeguarding Consumer Interests: Addresses grievances, regulates tariffs, and monitors service quality to protect telecom users.

4. Framing Policies: Recommends policies to the government on various aspects, including licensing, spectrum allocation, and pricing.

5. Monitoring Compliance: Enforces regulations and penalizes violators, ensuring adherence to telecom standards.

TRAI’s Key Achievements

• Mobile Number Portability (MNP): Enabled users to switch telecom operators without changing their phone numbers.

• Reduced Call Rates: Ensured affordability of telecom services through tariff regulation.

• Spam Call Regulation: Implemented measures to curb unsolicited commercial communications, such as Do Not Disturb (DND) services.

• Broadband Speed Standards: Set benchmarks for minimum internet speeds, ensuring transparency and service quality.

Significance of TRAI

TRAI plays a crucial role in shaping India’s telecom landscape, which is one of the largest in the world. By ensuring a balance between industry growth and consumer protection, TRAI contributes significantly to digital inclusion and economic development.