<p>The DoT had recently prepared a draft notification proposing that all mobile users adopt a 11-digit-number plan by prefixing 9 to their existing numbers. The department planned to implement the 11-digit regime from January 1 this year. <br /><br />However, the plan faced resistance from telecom service providers who said they needed at least a year’s time to upgrade the system. <br /><br />Following this, the DoT decided to put on hold its decision and is exploring an alternative proposal submitted by the Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI), a body representing GSM operators. <br /><br />The COAI has suggested that the 7 and 8 starting series be allowed. If the government accepts the proposal, mobile numbers will continue to have 10 digit, but fresh subscribers will get numbers beginning with 7 or 8. The government is also examining if more levels such as ‘5’ and ‘6’ can also be opened up for mobile telephony, sources in the department told Deccan Herald here. <br /><br />The COAI had also suggested that opening up of these levels “will give 2,000 million more numbering resources” which would be sufficient for the next nine to 10 years. <br /><br />The country’s existing numbering plan was decided in 2003, and the DoT had hoped it would be sufficient till 2030.</p>
<p>The DoT had recently prepared a draft notification proposing that all mobile users adopt a 11-digit-number plan by prefixing 9 to their existing numbers. The department planned to implement the 11-digit regime from January 1 this year. <br /><br />However, the plan faced resistance from telecom service providers who said they needed at least a year’s time to upgrade the system. <br /><br />Following this, the DoT decided to put on hold its decision and is exploring an alternative proposal submitted by the Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI), a body representing GSM operators. <br /><br />The COAI has suggested that the 7 and 8 starting series be allowed. If the government accepts the proposal, mobile numbers will continue to have 10 digit, but fresh subscribers will get numbers beginning with 7 or 8. The government is also examining if more levels such as ‘5’ and ‘6’ can also be opened up for mobile telephony, sources in the department told Deccan Herald here. <br /><br />The COAI had also suggested that opening up of these levels “will give 2,000 million more numbering resources” which would be sufficient for the next nine to 10 years. <br /><br />The country’s existing numbering plan was decided in 2003, and the DoT had hoped it would be sufficient till 2030.</p>
