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Discover why you see P, S, or G at the end of SMS sender IDs. Learn how TRAI’s new SMS code system improves message transparency and security for Indian mobile users.
In 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) introduced a significant update to SMS communications, aiming to enhance transparency and protect consumers from spam and fraudulent messages. If you’ve recently checked your SMS inbox, you may have noticed that many sender IDs now end with a single letter: P, S, or G. This new system is designed to help users instantly identify the nature of incoming messages, making mobile communication safer and more transparent for everyone.
Decoding the New SMS Codes
TRAI’s latest guidelines require all registered SMS senders—such as banks, e-commerce platforms, government agencies, and service providers—to append a code at the end of their sender ID. Here’s what each letter signifies:
- P: Promotional
Indicates the message is a promotional communication, often related to marketing offers, discounts, or advertisements. - S: Service
Denotes a service-related message, such as OTPs (one-time passwords), transaction alerts, account updates, or important notifications from businesses you interact with. - G: Government
Marks messages sent by government departments, agencies, or any official communication from public sector organizations.
This classification enables users to quickly distinguish between marketing messages, essential service alerts, and official government communications, reducing the risk of falling for spam or phishing attempts.
Why Did TRAI Implement This Change?
India has one of the world’s highest volumes of SMS traffic, and with that comes a surge in unsolicited promotional messages and scams. According to TRAI, consumer complaints about spam and fraudulent SMS have increased by over 30% in the past two years. The new coding system is part of a broader digital security initiative to:
- Empower users to identify the intent of each message at a glance.
- Reduce the likelihood of users engaging with fraudulent or misleading SMS.
- Streamline the process for reporting spam and suspicious messages.
By enforcing these codes, TRAI hopes to foster greater trust in digital communications and make it easier for users to manage their SMS inboxes.
How It Works: Practical Examples
- Promotional (P):
AMAZONP– “Get 20% off on your next purchase! Shop now.” - Service (S):
HDFCBKS– “Your OTP for net banking login is 123456.” - Government (G):
INCOMEG– “Your income tax refund has been processed.”
Each sender ID is now clearly marked, allowing you to decide which messages to prioritize and which to ignore.
Impact on Users and Businesses
For consumers, this system means greater control and confidence when reviewing SMS messages. It also simplifies the process of filtering and blocking unwanted promotional content. For businesses and government agencies, compliance with TRAI’s mandate is now essential to ensure message delivery and maintain credibility with customers.
Staying Secure: Best Practices
- Always check the code: Before responding to any SMS, look for the P, S, or G code to determine its authenticity.
- Report suspicious messages: If you receive a message that seems fraudulent, report it to your mobile operator or via TRAI’s spam reporting channels.
- Update your filters: Many smartphones and SMS apps now allow you to filter messages based on sender codes, making inbox management easier.
Conclusion
TRAI’s introduction of the P, S, and G codes in SMS sender IDs is a forward-thinking step toward safer and more transparent digital communication in India. By understanding these codes, users can better protect themselves from spam and scams, while businesses and government agencies can ensure their messages reach the right audience with clarity.
