Smartphone users in India take note. The way Android phone and
iPhone
users manage call forwarding on their phones is about to change. The Department of Telecom (
DoT
) has ordered
telecom companies
to stop using
USSD codes
(like *401#) to activate call forwarding features. This change takes effect from April 15, 2024.
USSD codes are those short codes that mobile users dial on their phone to access various services, like checking balance or phone's IMEI number.
While convenient, DoT has found them vulnerable to misuse in
online scams
and mobile phone related crimes.
What DoT ban order says
In an order dated March 28, the DoT said that it has come to its notice that USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) based call forwarding facility, most commonly known *401# services for unconditional call forwarding services, is being misused for some unwarranted activities.
"In this regard, it has been decided by the competent authority that all licensees shall discontinue the existing
USSD-based call forwarding
services with effect from April 15, 2024, till further notice.
"All existing subscribers who have activated USSD-based call forwarding service may be asked to reactivate call forwarding services through alternative methods to ensure that such services are not activated without their notice," the order said.
What this means for phone users
This means that users who currently use USSD codes for call forwarding, will need to reactivate them using a new method after April 15. Telecom companies will be responsible for providing alternative ways to manage call forwarding.
This change is aimed at improving security and preventing unauthorised call forwarding, which can be used for stealing confidential information like one-time passwords (OTPs) used in online transactions.
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