The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, (TRAI) on June 06, 2024, issued Consultation Paper on "Revision of National Numbering Plan". India's telecommunications sector is experiencing significant transformation driven by advancements such as 5G networks, which offer ultra-high-speed connectivity, low latency, and extensive device integration. Telecommunication Identifiers (TIs) are crucial for efficient communication and network management, ensuring universal accessibility and reliable service delivery across various technologies.
The National Numbering Plan is essential for structured allocation and utilization of TI resources, adhering to international best practices. It aims to manage the numbering space for current and future services, enabling efficient expansion and preventing premature depletion of resources.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) oversees telecom identifiers for both fixed and mobile networks, following ITU's E.164 recommendations. The National Numbering Plan 2003 was established to support 750 million telephone connections. However, with the current number of subscribers reaching 1,199.28 million and a tele-density of 85.69% as of March 31, 2024, numbering resources are becoming scarce due to service expansion and subscriber growth.
In response to these challenges, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) received a request from the DoT on September 29, 2022, to provide recommendations for a revised National Numbering Plan under section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act 1997. This request aims to address current and future constraints on fixed-line numbering resources due to rapid growth.
This Consultation Paper (CP) seeks to evaluate all factors impacting the allocation and utilization of TI resources. It proposes potential changes to improve allocation policies and procedures, ensuring a sustainable supply of TI resources for the continued growth of telecommunication services.
The Consultation Paper for seeking inputs from the stakeholders has been placed on TRAI's website. Written comments on the Revision of National Numbering Plan are invited from the stakeholders by July 04, 2024 and counter comments by July 18, 2024.
[Notification No. 27/2024]
