Are we running out of landline, mobile numbers?
Mint explains: With the advent of 5G, ultra-high speed networks will be used by not only people owing mobile phones but also by internet of things (IoT), devices that will talk to each other, better known as machine-to-machine communication. And sooner rather than later satellite communications will come directly to our phones. With this backdrop, having spare capacity of telecommunication identifier (TI) resources is crucial for meeting any requirement that could come up in the years ahead.
Therefore, the regulator asked stakeholders if they anticipate any shortage in these resources or numbers for mobiles or landlines. Trai is examining all aspects impacting allocation and utilization of numbering resources. It can also propose modification to its mechanism of fixing the numbering scheme and devise strategies for managing constraints in allocation policies.
It is examining if fixed lines should be allotted 10-digit numbers like mobiles. Further, fixed line numbers allocated to some telcos remain unused; should these be reallocated? To be sure, any changes to the numbering plan will involve substantial adjustments and expenses in network infrastructure by service providers. The 10-digit mobile number begins with 9,8,7 or 6; six-to-eight-digit landlines with 2,4,6 et al.
Other series are used for trunk, emergency, toll-free etc. There are 2.54 billion numbers for mobiles. Of these, 219 million are suspended pending disconnection and 188 million remain suspended for over six months.
Trai data suggests there’s no shortage in mobile numbers. While Trai had laid down guidelines for suspending mobile phone connections, it doesn’t have any rule for fixed lines. So, a fixed line cannot be disconnected by the service provider
. Read more on livemint.com
