The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper today on the ‘Revision of the National Numbering Plan.’
India’s telecommunications landscape is undergoing a significant transformation driven by cutting-edge network architectures and services. The advent of 5G networks introduces unprecedented possibilities, including ultra-high-speed connectivity, minimal latency, and extensive device integration. In this interconnected ecosystem, Telecommunication Identifiers (TIs) play a pivotal role in ensuring efficient communication and network management. TIs serve as the foundation for universal accessibility, facilitating reliable service delivery to consumers, businesses, and industries across various communication technologies.
The purpose of a National Numbering Plan is to ensure a structured approach for the allocation and utilization 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.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) manages telecom identifiers for both fixed and mobile networks, following the E.164 series of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Recommendations. In 2003, the DoT conducted a comprehensive review and revision of the national numbering plan to accommodate the rapid increase in subscribers. This forward-thinking plan, known as the National Numbering Plan 2003, was designed to allocate numbering resources for 750 million telephone connections across the country. 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. With a current total of 1,199.28 million telephone subscribers and a tele-density of 85.69% as of March 31, 2024, it is crucial to assess the utilization of Telecommunication Identifiers (TIs) and make prudent policy decisions to ensure a sustainable reservoir for the continued growth of telecommunication services.
The TRAI received a reference dated September 29, 2022, from the DoT seeking recommendations on the revised National Numbering Plan under section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act 1997. The DoT further requested addressing present and future constraints related to the availability of adequate fixed-line numbering resources arising from rapid growth.
This Consultation Paper (CP) aims to assess all factors affecting the allocation and utilization of Telecommunication Identifier (TI) resources. It also proposes potential modifications to enhance the allocation policies and utilization procedures, ensuring an adequate reservoir of TI resources.
The Consultation Paper for seeking inputs from the stakeholders has been placed on TRAI’s website.
