Department of Telecommunications or DoT is suggesting an 11-digit mobile number system from January 1 to meet the needs of growing subscribers, report media. The plan calls for a prefix to the existing 10-digit number.
A DoT note says the National Numbering Plan 2003 is amended for migration to an 11-digit numbering plan for mobile phones by prefixing '9' to the existing 2-digit PLMN access code. The numbering plan 2003 is intended to be in use for 30 years. However, the growth in the cellular subscriber base has led to seeking the 11-digit option.
A senior DoT official reportedly said that the department was not sure if the plan would be implemented within the given deadline. Another said that there had not been much progress on the issue, adding that the issue was raised sometime ago, and was not practical to be implemented.
Telecom firms have refused to comment on the proposed change, saying that they are yet to receive any communication from DoT. However, analysts are of the view that the country will have to shift over to the 11-digit plan.
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