Are you getting calls from unknown numbers after getting a new SIM? Know what are the rules regarding recycled mobile number

Recycled Mobile Number: Many users have recently complained that after getting a new SIM, they are getting calls from unknown numbers, which include calls from loan recovery agents, banks, policies, marketing etc.

Recycled Mobile Number: Have you recently purchased a new SIM and are getting unwanted calls all day long? You might be thinking that you have not shared the new number with anyone, then how are these calls coming? The reason behind this is recycled mobile number. According to the Department of Telecommunications, every month telecom companies release more than 1 crore recycled numbers. These are those mobile numbers which a user has used earlier and now he has stopped recharging.

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What is Recycled Mobile Number?

After a time, these numbers are again issued to the telecom companies for new subscribers. If you purchase these recycled numbers, you may receive such unwanted calls. Not only this, you may also face difficulty in linking these recycled numbers to the bank and UPI account because this number is already linked to someone’s bank and UPI account.

You might be wondering that if users face all these problems then why do telecom companies issue recycled numbers? Come, let us know what is the policy of the Department of Telecommunications regarding recycled numbers?

Rules for Recycled Mobile Number

According to the rules made by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for recycling a mobile number, telecom companies cannot release a user’s mobile number until the user has not used it for 6 months. Or it has not been recharged.

If a customer has issued a request for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) for his number, but the number has not been ported to another telecom operator for some reason, then the number can be released after two months.

A fixed resource is allocated for a mobile number, due to which there is a provision for recycling a number multiple times. In such a situation, telecom companies are forced to reuse the existing resources i.e. available mobile numbers so that the demand of the customers can be met.

Need for new numbering resources

In the current policy, the Department of Telecommunications can assign series only between 1-9 to any telecom operator. Initially mobile numbers starting with 9 and then 8 were allotted. Later DoT had allotted mobile numbers starting with 7 and 6. The Department of Telecommunications had created 750 million mobile numbering resources in 2003. By 2019, 1,917 million numbering resources had been created. According to TRAI data, the number of mobile users in India is set to reach a total of 1,165 million by February 2024. The telecom regulator estimates that India will require 3,278 mobile numbering resources by 2025.

Activate DND

As you know initially only mobile numbers starting with 9 and 8 were released. In such a situation, most of the new numbers which start with these two digits are recycled mobile numbers. In such a situation, customers have to do some important work after getting a new mobile number starting with these two digits, so that they do not receive any unwanted calls. For this, users will have to activate DND i.e. Do-Not-Disturb service on their mobile number.

What happens when a phone number is recycled (Recycled Mobile Number)?

In the telecommunications sector, recycling a phone number is the process where a previously deactivated or disconnected number is reassigned to a different user. The reassignment usually occurs after a minimum period of 90 days, although in areas where the demand for numbers is high (like the 212 or 310 area codes), this process might be expedited.

How can I get a non recycled phone number in India?

You can achieve this by reaching out to the telecommunication service provider in India and asking for a fresh, non-recycled phone number. Following this, you can obtain a new vanity or toll-free number, which not only serves as a unique identifier but also enhances the recognition of your personal or business identity.

How do I get my recycled phone number back?

1) Get in touch with your telecom service provider.
2) Supply them with the necessary account information.
3) Adhere to the guidelines provided by the service provider.
4) Explore the various options for reactivating your number.
5) Check if your old number is still up for grabs.

Is it safe to use a recycled number?

Consider a scenario where a malicious individual manages to uncover information associated with a recycled number. This person could then pretend to be the former owner, potentially launching phishing schemes or engaging in fraudulent activities. Such actions primarily pose a threat to the original number owner and their close contacts.