TRAI Explores Penal Options for Telcos Hoarding Unused Fixed Line Numbers

In a recent move to tackle the issue of number scarcity for fixed line connections, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has released a consultation paper proposing significant changes to the national numbering plan. This initiative comes in response to the Department of Telecom's request to address the challenges posed by the rapid growth in demand for new connections, which has led to a shortage of available numbers.

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The paper suggests revisiting the allocation and management of telephone numbers, with a particular focus on penalising telecom service providers (TSPs) that hoard unutilised fixed line numbers. Trai is considering imposing financial disincentives on TSPs that retain a high percentage of allocated but unused Telephone Identification (TI) numbers beyond a specified period. The regulator seeks feedback on what that percentage should be, along with suggestions for the disincentive mechanism and time frame, backed by detailed justifications.

Statistics revealed in the paper highlight the extent of the issue, with over 6.28 crore fixed line numbers allocated to operators, out of which only 2.74 crore are in use, leaving a staggering 3.54 crore numbers unutilised. To combat this inefficiency and make more numbers available for new subscribers, Trai is exploring the adoption of a uniform dialling pattern for both fixed line and mobile services, proposing a shift to a 10-digit numbering scheme for fixed lines, akin to the current system for mobile phones.

Currently, fixed line numbers consist of a local area code ranging from 2 to 4 digits followed by a subscriber number of 6 to 8 digits. In contrast, mobile numbers utilise a 10-digit format without segmentation. This proposed change aims to streamline the numbering system across services, enhancing the efficiency of number allocation and usage.

The consultation paper raises critical questions about the future management of India's numbering resources and opens up a dialogue on how best to optimise these assets in light of growing demand. Trai's proposal to introduce a 10-digit closed numbering scheme for fixed lines reflects an adaptive approach to regulatory challenges, ensuring that India's telecommunications infrastructure can continue to support its rapid expansion.

This initiative marks a pivotal step towards addressing the constraints faced by the telecom sector in India due to the limited availability of numbering resources. By soliciting input from stakeholders through this consultation paper, Trai aims to forge a path towards more efficient number allocation and management practices that will ultimately benefit consumers and service providers alike.