What changed
RBI now requires all regulated entities to actively use the DoT's Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) from the Digital Intelligence Platform to identify and clean revoked mobile numbers from customer databases. Entities must develop SOPs for updating verified mobile numbers and enhanced monitoring of accounts linked to revoked numbers. Additionally, transactional/service calls must use the '160' numbering series and promotional calls the '140' numbering series once operationalized, following TRAI guidelines.
What it means for you
Banks and other regulated entities must integrate the MNRL into their fraud monitoring systems, which will require updates to KYC and account management processes. This will help reduce the risk of money mule accounts and cyber fraud linked to compromised mobile numbers. Entities also need to align their call operations with TRAI's numbering series, which may involve technical changes to telecom infrastructure.
What you must do
- Access the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) and regularly check the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) to clean your customer database of revoked mobile numbers.
- Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for updating registered mobile numbers after due verification and for enhanced monitoring of accounts linked to revoked numbers.
- Provide verified details of customer care numbers to DIP (via email [email protected]) for DoT to publish on the Sanchar Saathi portal.
- Prepare to use '160' numbering series for transactional/service calls and '140' for promotional calls once operationalized, and comply with TRAI's commercial communication guidelines.
- Conduct awareness campaigns through emails, SMS, and vernacular languages to educate customers about these safeguards.
Who it affects
All Commercial Banks including RRBs, SFBs, Payment Banks, and LABs, Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks, State Co-operative Banks, DCCBs, Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuers, Non-Banking Financial Companies (including HFCs), Credit Information Companies, Payment Aggregators and Payment System Participants/Providers
What is the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) and how do I access it?
The MNRL is a list of mobile numbers that have been revoked by telecom operators, available on the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) developed by the Department of Telecommunications. Regulated entities must access the DIP to regularly check and clean their customer databases against this list.
Do I need to change my existing customer care numbers?
No, but you must provide the verified details of your customer care numbers to DIP (via email at [email protected]) so DoT can publish them on the Sanchar Saathi portal. This helps customers identify legitimate contact numbers.
When do the numbering series requirements become mandatory?
The circular advises using '160' series for transactional/service calls and '140' series for promotional calls 'when operationalized'. This means entities should prepare for implementation once the telecom infrastructure is ready, as per TRAI's guidelines.