Starting May 6, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is set to revolutionize SMS communication with the implementation of its 2nd Amendment, issued on February 12, 2025. This mandate requires all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to append specific suffixes to SMS headers, enhancing transparency and helping recipients instantly identify the nature of messages.
What’s Changing?
Under the new guidelines, TSPs will add suffixes to SMS headers during Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) scrubbing. These suffixes categorize messages as follows:
- P:-for Promotional messages (including Service Explicit content)
- S:-for Service messages
- T:-for Transactional messages
- G:-for Government messages (exclusive to TRAI-exempted headers)
For example, a service message from a sender with the header “ABCXYZ” will appear as AD-ABCXYZ-S, where “AD” indicates the operator and circle, “ABCXYZ” is the header, and “S” denotes the service template type registered on the DLT platform.
Why It Matters
This initiative is a game-changer for SMS recipients. By clearly indicating the message type in the header, users can quickly discern whether a message is promotional, transactional, or from a government entity. This not only improves user experience but also strengthens trust in SMS communication by reducing ambiguity.
Who’s Responsible?
The implementation burden falls solely on Telecom Service Providers. Principal Entities (PEs) and Telemarketers are not required to make any changes, as the suffix addition is handled by TSPs during the DLT scrubbing process.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of header suffixes marks a significant step toward a more organized and transparent SMS ecosystem in India. As the May 6, 2025, deadline approaches, TSPs are gearing up to ensure seamless compliance, paving the way for a smarter, user-friendly messaging experience.
Stay tuned for a future where every SMS tells you exactly what it is—right at first glance!
