Trai Proposes New 10-Digit Numbering System for Landline Users to Enhance Number Availability

Telecom users may soon need to dial a full 10-digit number for local calls if the government's approval follows the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (Trai) recent suggestion. Trai has proposed a new numbering system to eliminate the STD code, aiming to free up unused numbers. This system would operate at a telecom circle or state level.

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The proposed change involves shifting from the current SDCA-based STD numbering to an LSA-based 10-digit closed numbering scheme for fixed-line services. This transition is intended to address phone number constraints in the long term with minimal disruption. An LSA, or licenced service area, typically refers to a state or large metropolitan area.

New Numbering System Implementation

To implement this LSA-based scheme, fixed-line users will need to dial all fixed-line calls using a prefix of '0', followed by the SDCA code and the subscriber's number. This applies even to local calls within the same SDCA. However, existing phone numbers will remain unchanged for subscribers.

Trai has advised that telecom operators be given six months by the Department of Telecom (DoT) to roll out this new numbering plan. Additionally, Trai has recommended that no mobile or fixed-line connections should be deactivated until 90 days of non-usage have passed.

Deactivation and Reuse Guidelines

Connections inactive due to non-usage must be deactivated after 365 days following the initial 90-day period. Furthermore, deactivated connections should not be reused until at least 90 days post-deactivation. If disconnection occurs for reasons other than non-usage, such as customer surrender, reuse should only happen after 180 days.

In its consultation paper, Trai considered penalising or charging for number resource allocation but decided against these measures in its recommendations. No additional charges or financial penalties on numbering resources are suggested at this stage.

Monitoring and Future Recommendations

The DoT is advised to monitor annually how telecom operators use their allocated numbering resources. If necessary, unutilised resources may be withdrawn. Trai also reiterated its earlier recommendation for implementing a caller name display system across both regular and IP-based telecom networks.

This caller name display system was initially recommended in February last year and is generally used by businesses for customer communications. The implementation of these recommendations aims to streamline telecom operations while addressing resource constraints effectively.