Mobile phone users can't access this call forwarding facility from today

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had asked telecom companies to stop USSD-based call forwarding service in the country by mid-April. To curb fraud and online crimes through mobile phones, the department had issued an official notice ordering the discontinuation of this service from April 15 till further notice. "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 15.04.2024 till further notice," the order said.
 

What is USSD-based call forwarding service?

Mobile customers access the USSD service (most commonly as *401# services for unconditional call forwarding services) by dialling the active code on their phone screen.
 
Finding out information, such as the IMEI number and mobile phone balance, is a common usage for this service. In a March 28 order, the department stated that it had discovered certain unlawful acts were being carried out with the call forwarding capability based on Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).
 
"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.

How does it affect users after DoT notice?

If you currently have call forwarding activated on your number, you will need to reactivate it once the service is suspended. The DoT stated that users will have to use alternate methods to activate call forwarding, although these methods have not been specified yet. Telecom companies will now need to offer alternative ways for users to manage call forwarding.