DoT accepts TRAI’s suggestion of enhancing the capacity of the 7 and 8 number series

After rejecting the Telecom Regulatory Authority?s (TRAI) suggestion to shift to 11-digit mobile numbers, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has accepted the regulator?s short-term solution to create additional capacity in the 7 and 8 number series. This, DoT hopes, will free up 650 million mobile numbers to cater to the industry’s requirements for the next 30 months.

As a long-term solution, DoT has also decided to open up the 5, 6 and 3 number series for mobile services. This is expected to free up an additional 2,750.9 million mobile numbers and address the country’s mobile numbering plans for cellular services for about a decade.

Currently, the 3 number series is used by Reliance Communications, 5 by Sistema Shyam TeleServices limited (SSTL) and 6 by Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL).

These companies will have to shift their fixed line customers to the 4 series which has been allotted to Bharti Airtel for its landline customers. Meanwhile, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) will continue to use the 2 series for their landline services.