DoT panel rejects TRAI’s suggestion of introducing a 10-digit number series for fixed lines

A Department of Telecommunications (DoT) panel has rejected the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India?s (TRAI) suggestion to introduce a 10-digit number series for fixed-line telephones.

The committee has said that fixed-line phone numbers should continue to be eight digits, but the series should start with digits 2 and 4 only.

Currently, an eight-digit number series starting with 3 is used by the fixed line subscribers of Reliance Communications (RCOM), while 6 is being utilised by Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL) and 5 has been allocated to HFCL and Sistema Shyam.

While a number series starting with 2 is currently used for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL)?s subscribers, Bharti Airtel users utilise the series starting with 4.

According to the committee, there is adequate capacity left in the 2 and 4 number series to accommodate all the other players, thereby freeing up the other numbering series for wireless services.

TRAI had suggested launching an integrated 10-digit number system for both mobile and fixed phones. This was done in a bid to make more phone numbers available to cater to the growing subscriber base over the next 30-40 years.

The current numbering system was designed for 750 million connections. The numbering system was supposed to last till 2030, but came under severe strain with mobile subscriber numbers crossing the mark in 2009.

Rejecting TRAI?s suggestion, the DoT committee said that moving to a 10-digit series would require numerous changes in the fixed-line exchanges, in the way calls are routed, and also in the billing software.

In its report, the panel said, ?In-C-DOT and other legacy wireline exchanges, it is not possible to implement a 10-digit series. This will have adverse affect on rural telephony.? It added that freeing up the 5, 6 and 3 number series would make nearly 2.7 billion additional numbers available, which would be adequate.

If DoT accepts its committee’s proposal, then the fixed-line users of RCOM, TTSL, HCFL and Sistema Shyam TeleServices limited (SSTL) will get a new prefix to their phone numbers. There will be no change for Bharti Airtel and BSNL and MTNL subscribers.