You might soon be required to pay for your mobile and landline numbers as Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a measure where users will be charged a fee for these numbers. The body that regulates telecom services in the country mentioned that National Numbering Plan will ensure a structured approach for allocation and utilisation of Telecommunication Identifiers (TI) resources.
This move is likely to affect those who have multiple unused SIM cards in their devices.
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The TRAI has stated that the rapid advancements in communication technologies — such as the extensive deployment of 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication and Internet of Things (IoT) devices — have made it essential to thoroughly review the current numbering system.
TRAI also emphasised that phone numbers are a valuable but limited public resource.
What Is National Numbering Plan 2003
Earlier in 2003, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) conducted a comprehensive review and revision of the national number plan to accommodate the increase in subscribers. This plan, known as the National Numbering Plan 2003, was designed to allocate numbering resources for 750 million telephone connections in India.
However, after 21 years, the availability of numbering resources is now ‘at risk’ due to the expansion of services and the growth in the number of connections.
“The purpose of a National Numbering Plan is to ensure a structured approach for allocation and utilisation of TI resources, in line with international best practices. It primarily defines the numbering space and its evolution for existing and potential services, aiming to accommodate a wide range of services and facilitate efficient expansion without premature depletion,” TRAI wrote in its consultation paper on ‘Revision of National Numbering Plan.’
TRAI believes that introducing fees will help guarantee the efficient distribution and utilisation of these limited resources.
Currently, India has total 1,199.28 million telephone subscribers and has a tele-density of 85.69 per cent (as of March 31, 2024).
According to TRAI, it is crucial to assess the utilisation of TIs and make policy decisions to ensure a sustainable reservoir for the continued growth of telecommunication services.