Context:

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its latest recommendations for developing a ‘Unified Numbering Plan’ to ensure adequate numbering resources for the fi xed-line (aka landline) and mobile services in the country.

Key-highlights of the recommendations:

• Mandating prefi x “0” for calling mobile numbers from a fi xed-line connection Shifting from 10-digit to 11-digit numbering scheme in case of mobile numbers.
• Mobile numbers allotted for dongles to be shifted to 13 digits.
• Moving fi xed line numbers starting with “3”, “5”, and “6” to a sub-level of “2” or “4.
• All fi xed-line connections should be provided with a “0” dialing facility.

About TRAI

• Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is an independent regulatory body established by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act 1997 to oversee the telecommunications industry in India.
  • TRAI is charged with ensuring the orderly growth of the telecom sector while protecƟ ng the interests of both telecom service providers and consumers.
  • It encourages technological improvements and makes recommendaƟ ons for how providers can improve effi ciency and technical compaƟ bility.
• To that end, TRAI establishes standards for quality of service (QoS) and supervises how service providers share revenue.