TRAI’s New Rule! Charges of up to 5 paise per minute to apply to certain calls; here’s what will change

TRAI’s new rule could impose a charge of up to 5 paise per minute on specific types of calls. Find out which calls this rule applies to and how it will impact users.

TRAI has taken a significant step to curb the unwanted and spam calls that constantly plague telecom users. TRAI has fixed a maximum termination charge of 5 paise per minute for Application-to-Person (A2P) calls. The objective is to control unsolicited commercial communication conducted through such calls.

What are A2P calls?

For your information, A2P calls differ from calls dialed directly by an individual. They can be made in large volumes using apps, software, or automated systems. Auto-dial calls, robocalls, and calls featuring pre-recorded or artificial voices are examples of this.

Under the new rules, entities making A2P calls must first inform their telecom service provider. They must also provide details regarding the Calling Line Identities (CLIs) used for the calls. A2P calls made without the necessary declaration will be classified as UCC (Unsolicited Commercial Communication).

Who will pay this charge?

According to media reports, under TRAI’s new rule, the termination charge will be paid by the access provider from whose network the A2P call originated. This payment will be made to the telecom provider on whose network the call terminates.

However, a payment of 5 paise per minute will not be mandatory for every call. Telecom companies will be able to determine the actual charges based on mutual commercial negotiations. The 5 paise per minute figure has been set as a maximum limit.

Based on the SMS framework

According to TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, the maximum limit for this charge was determined using the existing termination charge framework for commercial SMS as a basis. It has been clarified that the actual amount will be determined through negotiations between the terminating and originating access providers.

Exemption for certain calls

This termination charge will not apply to calls made from numbering series specifically designated by TRAI for regulated commercial communications. Additionally, calls registered with the authority have been exempted from this fee.

AI to identify spam calls

TRAI is not relying solely on financial penalties to curb spam calls; it is also utilizing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to identify suspicious Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC). Telecom companies will identify Calling Line Identities (CLIs) that are highly likely to be used for spam communications. Relevant information will be shared with other telecom providers to facilitate further investigation.

Process underway since March 2026

It is worth noting that the process for these changes began with the ‘Draft Third Amendment Regulations’ issued in March 2026. Subsequently, TRAI sought suggestions and counter-comments from stakeholders. An open-house discussion was also held in June, following which the final amendments were approved.