Trai looks to work on new series of mobile numbers

NEW DELHI: With connectivity growing manifold following the rollout of 5G and other services such as machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and internet of things (IoT), telecom regulator Trai is looking to provide additional numbers, while cleaning current backlog, to factor in growth in the sector.
Trai has come out with a consultation paper on the matter after it was asked by the telecom ministry to find out new number series in view of the superlative growth in the telecom sector.
“In recent years, availability of numbering resources is facing challenges due to the significant expansion of services and substantial increase in number of connections in both fixed line as well as in mobile segment. With a current total of 1199.3 million telephone subscribers and teledensity of 85.7% as of end of March 2024, there is a need to carefully examine utilisation of numbering resources and implement judicious policy decisions to ensure an adequate reservoir for the sustainable growth of telecommunication services,” Trai said in the consultation paper ‘Revision of National Numbering Plan’.
Trai said as India’s telecommunication landscape undergoes a metamorphosis, driven by cutting-edge network architectures and the convergence of technologies like M2M communication, IoT, and 5G, the role of numbering resources gains even greater significance.
Trai also said DoT it is facing demands from telecom operators as well as govt departments and non-govt organisations for new numbers.