New Delhi, Aug. 10 -- The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated the phase-wise rollout of a new '1601' number series for service and transactional calls by utility, courier and logistics companies, aimed at helping consumers identify legitimate business calls and curb impersonation fraud.

Under the first phase, electricity distribution companies, water utilities, city gas distributors, LPG distribution entities and other utility providers will be covered. Courier companies, express logistics firms, parcel delivery providers and freight and logistics service providers will also come under the new numbering framework.

Telecom service providers (TSPs) have been directed to complete the migration and onboarding of eligi...