Updated: 11-digit Mobile Numbers By 2010 - '9’ to be prefixed to all existing numbers

[commonman 228]

The main hidden objection seems to be that once 11 no. comes in the premium no.s would be useless and the GSM Co.s may face demand for return of money demand as per the clauses of the premium no. agreement with the subscriber.

[konquerror 21]

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has amended the National Numbering Plan to introduce 11-digit mobile numbers in the country.

The current 10-digit numbers are likely to be inadequate to accommodate the growing new subscriber additions.

In an internal note, dated November 26, 2009, DoT says, "The National Numbering Plan 2003 is amended for migration to 11-digit numbering plan in mobile services by prefixing digit '9' in existing two-digit PLMN Access Code."

The mobile number has three components of numbering -- PLMN code, MSC code and subscriber number. The regulator wants another digit to be added to the PLMN code, which, at present, is a two-digit code. MSC code is a three-digit number, while subscriber number is a five digit code.

DoT, which had planned to introduce 11-digit numbers in April this year, wants operators to migrate to the 11-digit ecosystem by January 2010.

However, it remains to be seen if operators would be able to migrate to new numbering plan at a short notice.

Source: http://www.techtree....107864-893.html

[kalpeshaparmar 66]

Dear All,

No need to worry about number being changed 11 digits as last time reliance helped all the customers to change their whole contact list to 10 digit.

And this time they would do the same.Even if you look for GSM subscribers company is giving them the support to back up their contacts @ companies site.

Then why to worry....if 1 company doesn't give you services you can just change your service via MNP...

So don't worry enjoy the competed market...........

[KanagaDeepan 1,084]

There are still unused numbers left out... For example in 93, 92 series of Reliance and Tata CDMA and they can be made use to their GSM cousins, say Docomo should be allotted in only 92xxxxx and not other 8xxxx or 90xxxxx and same for RGSM as 93xxxx.. For Airtel and Voda (GSM) the unused series in 94xxxxx can be shared with BSNL...

Further now in the current 10 digit number series, only around 10 to 13% of numbers are given to Mobiles and remaining >80% to LANDLINE numbers, which are very very low in volume... Like the 8xxx series, the unused STD codes in 7xxxx or 1xxxx can also be used... TRUE, then it will be very very difficult to distinguish between mobile and landline... But now the 801xxx series allotted to Karnataka IS nothing but SAME as what I said...

We need not go for the 11 digit mobile number.. For a 10 digit number, we can easily remember it in two equal parts and so remembering a 11 digit number will also be much more difficult...

[sgiitk 32]

I think they want to keep 9 as the startingt digit for mobiles. I have come across mobile numbers starting with 8. I think by the time they are done with 8 (and maybe) 7 the country will be well nigh blanketed.

But then, our Govt. agencies are never bothered about the consumers in any case?

[me_saket 73]

There are still unused numbers left out... For example in 93, 92 series of Reliance and Tata CDMA, the unused STD codes in 7xxxx or 1xxxx can also be used...

We need not go for the 11 digit mobile number.. For a 10 digit number, we can easily remember it in two equal parts and so remembering a 11 digit number will also be much more difficult...

no 93 and 92 series is vacant.

if used std code is used then we can add maximum 600million more user only.

NEW DELHI: Consumer interests have become sandwiched in an industry war between incumbent GSM operators and Reliance and Tatas over the DoT's

decision to implement 11-digit numbers by adding an extra 9 to all mobile numbers in the country by January 1 2010.

GSM operators are unhappy about the move, and have made detailed presentations to the government on why such a move is harmful for the industry and consumers. This representation has been made through the COAI while AUSPI, which primarily represents the interests of Tatas, Reliance and Sistema, is in favour of moving to a 11-digit numbering plan.

COAI says the move to a 11-digit numbering plan implies that over 480 million mobile subscribers will have to re-write their numbers and update personal contact lists. Further, SIM cards will have to be upgraded as the current SIM cards are linked to the existing 10-digit numbering plan. They also warn that it would require a major upgrade for billing systems, which imposes additional costs across the board for all operators.

In summary, COAI argues that the entire value proposition is very expensive and not in the consumer interest. It favours the use of the entire level 9 for PLMN, as this will create an additional capacity of 600 million subscribers.

The COAI points out that there are only 40 million fixed line subscribers in the country with hardly any new growth foreseen.

Under the circumstances, reserving levels 2,3,4,5,6,7, and 8 for fixed line is unreal and blocks out way too many precious resources. They seek the release of levels 7 and 8 specifically, in addition to level 9, for introducing a new mobile series. It is estimated that with these three series, a billion plus subscribers can be served without the need for any fresh allocation of levels.

AUSPI, on the other hand, says China already uses a 11-digit numbering plan and that ITU (world body for telecom specifications) also permits such a move. It argues that 11-digit numbers are mobile number portability compatible.

On costs, AUSPI cites research to establish a cost of no more than Rs 2 crore per operator to upgrade to a 11-digit code, while the entire upgradation can occur within a period of 2 to 3 months. There is clearly commercial incentive for the two sides as incumbent GSM operators believe that they will be able to address the market and their consumers interests better by retaining the 10-digit series starting with 9 and introducing two additional ones at 7 and 8.

AUSPI thinks that a 11-digit numbering plan will open up opportunities to migrate subscribers from the incumbent operators networks since a mandated change in numbering plan could also be accompanied by a relatively easier decision to change network.

With contradicting views on an issue which impacts consumers, it is unclear whether the DoT will be able to proceed at the same pace as it desires. At this time, it seems that the political leadership and the bureaucracy is backing a 11-digit mobile numbering plan to be launched as early as January 2010.

source economic times

[Saurav 22]

When series begin with 8 has already begun then why do they need 11 digits to spoil existing numbers rhthym.

[csmart 472]

When series begin with 8 has already begun then why do they need 11 digits to spoil existing numbers rhthym.

boss you are in India. you are not allowed to ask such questions. there was no reason for adding '2' to landline, but was done to favor reliance. same is the case with cell number.

many had proposed India to migrate to 3-digit STD codes and 7 digit numbers. the way its in US and then also followed by UK. the reason is simple. there are about 400+ districts in India. so 3 digit std was simpler. and every one has same number pattern, 7 digits. currently it varies from 5 to 8. our ministers and babus are happy in making things complicated.

so you know, we should not ask why?

[abkumar 11]

When series begin with 8 has already begun then why do they need 11 digits to spoil existing numbers rhthym.

boss you are in India. you are not allowed to ask such questions. there was no reason for adding '2' to landline, but was done to favor reliance. same is the case with cell number.

many had proposed India to migrate to 3-digit STD codes and 7 digit numbers. the way its in US and then also followed by UK. the reason is simple. there are about 400+ districts in India. so 3 digit std was simpler. and every one has same number pattern, 7 digits. currently it varies from 5 to 8. our ministers and babus are happy in making things complicated.

so you know, we should not ask why?

+1 from me, I agree

[KanagaDeepan 1,084]

if used std code is used then we can add maximum 600million more user only.

Even 600Million or SIXTY CRORE MORE NUMBERS is not a small number imho...

[vishalsheth 19]

I think std code should be 3 digits, 7 digit number and add 9. Atleast we would have uniform numbers.

[sougatadc 358]

DoT puts on hold 11-digit plan

Govt Examines Alternate Proposal From COAI

THE department of telecom (DoT) has put on hold its plan to get all the 500 million-plus mobile users in the country to adopt a 11-digit cellular number from 2010.

The DoT had recently prepared a draft notification in which it sought all mobile users to adopt a 11-digit numbering plan by prefixing ‘9’ to their existing cellphone numbers.

But, the department has been confronted with stiff opposition from all leading operators who said that it would be “next to impossible” for India to move to 11-digit mobile numbers in 2010 as this would involve making massive technical changes to both softwares and mobile network configurations. They also argued that the process could take up well over a year to implement.

The DoT, in an internal note, has now pointed out that moving to 11-digit mobile numbers has serious security concerns and, therefore, the move should be put on hold.

The government is now examining an alternate proposal from the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the body representing GSM operators, which had suggested that levels ‘7’ and ‘8’ should be vacated and allocated to cellular services. If this proposal is accepted, then mobile numbers will continue to have 10-digits, but will begin with ‘7’ and ‘8’ too.

COAI has pointed out that opening up of these levels “will give 2,000 million more numbering resources” while adding that “even with 60% efficiency, this would cater to 1,200 million more subscribers which is sufficient to meet the requirement of the next seven to 10 years”.

Also, on the cards is a move to examine if more levels such as ‘5’ & ‘6’ can also be opened up for mobile telephony.

The ‘95’ sub-level of telephone numbers, earlier reserved for trunk calls or STD dialling within a telecom circle, is now being allotted to cellular operators. The DoT also plans to ask telecom companies to vacate the STD code of ‘89’ so that this also can be used for cellular services.

The existing numbering plan was fixed in 2003 and the DoT had expected it to be in place till 2030. This is because, based on the 2003-projections, India was expected to have 500 million mobile customers only by 2030. But the country has reached that mark in 2009 itself. India has been the world’s fastest growing cellular market for the past three years, surpassing even China.

Thirteen mobile phone firms are jostling for space in the Indian market, which most analysts say can support only four to five operators. India is adding an average of 15 million new cellular customers every month. Four more companies are due to launch services by next year.

Source: The Economic Times.

[KanagaDeepan 1,084]

Ya, I am loving it... Please dont bring the 11-digit mobile phone number...

[::Hitesh:: 1,763]

good step !

My memory is poor, dont add one more digit

[srk006 21]

Is it not better to go for 11-digit numbering now itself rather than 5-6 years after. A number change for the last time ever... anyways, adding a 9 in front is not going to make any problem for existing numbers.

Also unable to remember a number is not a good excuse, every one dials number directly from contact/phone book lists. right?

[savramesh 37]

adding a digit '9' infront of all existing mobile numbers is not going to increase the vacant numbers.

[srk006 21]

^^^ all current numbers will be 99 XX XXX XXXX

So they can introduce numbers like 98 XX XXX XXXX , 91 XX XXX XXXX . isn't that the plan?

[Himanshu Singh 19]

TRAI may drop 11-digit plan, unlock 2-7 series

As against moving to 11-digit mobile numbers, telecom regulator

Trai is planning an alternate solution where it will retain the current 10-digit format but open up digits 2 to 9 for mobile numbers. Currently, over 90% of the mobile numbers begin with 9 and the rest with 8, a top official with the Trai told ET. 

While existing mobile numbers will remain intact, this model will lead to all landline numbers having 10-digits. Trai officials are of the view that it is easier for the 40 million landline users to shift to a 10-digit format as against 510 million and growing mobile users moving to a 11-digit cellphone numbers.

ET has also learned that Trai will launch a consultation process on this issue this week to seek the industry’s reaction before implementing its proposal. The move from the regulator comes even as the Department of Telecom (DoT) in November 2009 had prepared a draft notification in which it sought all mobile users to adopt a 11-digit numbering plan this year by prefixing ‘9’ to their existing cellphone numbers. But, DoT, confronted with stiff opposition from all leading operators who said that it would be “next to impossible” for India to move to 11-digit mobile numbers in 2010 since this would involve making massive technical changes to both softwares and and mobile network configurations, then put the plan on hold.

The issue assumes significance because the country is set to run out of mobile numbers within two years. While the ‘9’ series has the potential for a billion cellular numbers, this series is set to exhausted within the next two years. Currently, India has over 500 million cellular customers, but the country has already used up over 700 million mobile numbers due to churn where customers switch operators and several other factors such a migration, where existing numbers cannot be used at new destinations due to technological constraints. Unlike most Western nations, surrendered or unused mobile numbers are not recycled back into the system in India. Besides, the country is also adding 150 million new cellular customers every year.

The existing numbering plan was fixed in 2003 and DoT had expected it to be in place till 2030. This is because, based on the 2003-projections, India was expected to have 500 million mobile customers only by 2030. But the country has reached that mark in 2009 itself. India has been the world’s fastest growing cellular market for the past three years, surpassing even China.

Trai proposal will open up all levels except numbers beginning with the digit ‘1’, which the regulator wants to reserve for emergency services, toll free numbers and for government-related issues. If the levels, say ‘7’ and ‘8’ are opened up and allotted to mobile operators, this will increase the mobile numbering resources by an additional 2 billion. The Cellular Operators Association of India, the body representing GSM telcos, has pointed out the opening of just two additional levels, even with 60% efficiency would cater to 1,200 million more subscribers, which is sufficient to meet the requirements of all operators for the next seven to 10 years.

“If we open up all levels, say from digits 2-9, this will provide us with a further 8 billion mobile numbers. The Indian population will never exceed 1.5 billion and therefore this pool of numbers will never ever be exhausted,” the Trai official said. This official also added that moving landline numbers to the 10-digit format would ensure that operators can issue about a billion fixedline connections, a permanent solution as this would never happen.

Landline numbers, which currently are less than 40 million, have been steadily falling over the last five years due to the mobile phone revolution. “In countries, like the US, there is no difference in the numbering format between mobile and landline numbers – our proposal will enable India to implement such a similar system, the Trai official added.

[me_saket 73]

good plan,

infact better than 11 digit

[hritik123 4]

Good move :clap:

Edited January 11, 2010 by hritik123

[rahulmalik_81 1]

thanx for the update

[Greatest 55]

[Saurav 22]

Great Move.

[::Hitesh:: 1,763]

Good move !!

Also after MNP,, most peoples will be retaining old number, instate of taking new every time.

[csmart 472]

in a way good move.. at the same time, as expected, consulation paper means longer period to implement. TRAI should also allow discotinued numbers to be reissued. as far as i know, its allowed, but this article says its not...