DoT Proposes 11-digit Mobile Numbers

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DoT Proposes 11-digit Mobile Numbers



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.
 
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