Indian smartphone users are paying attention. The way Android and iPhone smartphone users manage call forwarding on their phones is about to change. The Department of Communications (DoT) has directed telecom companies to stop using USSD codes (like *401#) to activate call forwarding. This change will take effect on April 15, 2024.
USSD codes are short codes that mobile phone users dial with their mobile phones to access various services such as balance checking and their mobile phone’s IMEI number. While convenient, the DoT has found that it can be easily exploited for online fraud and mobile-related crime.
The content of the dot ban command
In a March 28 order, the Department of Defense acknowledged that the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)-based *401# call forwarding feature, commonly known as Unconditional Call Forwarding Service, is vulnerable to security risks. He realized it had been abused.
In this regard, the relevant authority has decided that all licensees must discontinue their existing USSD-based call forwarding services from April 15, 2024 until further notice.
“All existing subscribers who have activated USSD-based call forwarding services shall reactivate their call forwarding services through alternative means to ensure that these services are not activated without prior notice,” the order said. “You may be asked to do this.”
What does this mean for phone users?
This means that users who currently use USSD codes to send calls will need to activate their codes using the new method after April 15th. Telecommunications operators are responsible for providing alternative methods for call routing management.
The change is intended to improve security and prevent unauthorized phone transmissions that can be used to steal sensitive information such as one-time passwords (OTPs) in online transactions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
