Highlights
- TRAI suggests fees for mobile and landline numbers due to their finite nature
- The proposal aims to promote efficient use of numbering resources
- Penalties for telecom operators holding underutilized numbers are being considered
- Stakeholder input on the proposal is invited until early July 2024
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has put forth a proposal that could potentially change the way you acquire and retain your mobile and landline numbers.
In a consultation paper released on June 6, 2024, Trai has suggested introducing fees for these numbering resources, citing their finite and valuable nature.
“Simply adhering to strict criteria for assigning numbering resources might not ensure judicious and efficient use of freely allotted numbering resources by service providers. One way of ensuring judicious and efficient use of any finite public resource is by imposing charges, while allocating it. Efficient utilisation can be further ensured by introducing penal provision for those holding numbering resources with low utilisation,” said Trai.
The rationale behind the proposal
Trai’s document highlights the significant transformation in India’s telecommunications landscape, driven by advancements in technologies such as 5G networks, Machine-to-Machine communication, and the Internet of Things.
With over 1.19 billion telephone subscribers and a tele-density of 85.69 per cent as of March 2024, the demand for numbering resources has surged.
The proposed numbering plan aims to allocate these resources in a structured and efficient manner, supporting a wide range of services and enabling expansion.
By implementing a fee structure, Trai hopes to regulate the allocation of mobile numbers stringently, encouraging telecom service providers to use these resources efficiently and transparently.
Addressing underutilization and inefficient use
One of the key concerns addressed by Trai is the inefficient use of numbering resources by telecom operators.
In cases where subscribers have a dual SIM setup but don’t use one number for an extended period, operators are often hesitant to cancel the number to retain their user base, leading to an underutilization of resources.
To tackle this issue, Trai is considering penalties for operators that hold on to underutilized number resources.
This measure aims to incentivize more efficient use and distribution of numbering resources.
Other proposed measures
Apart from fees for mobile numbers, Trai is considering several other measures.
These include the allocation of Mobile Country Codes (MCC) and Mobile Network Codes (MNC) for captive networks, M2M numbering resources, and adjustments to shortcodes and signaling point codes.
Stakeholder input and historical context
Trai is inviting stakeholders to provide input on the proposed revisions, with a deadline for comments and counter-comments set for early July 2024.
Historically, the Department of Telecommunications has managed the allocation of numbering resources in India, with significant revisions to the national numbering plans in 1993 and 2003 to accommodate the growing telecommunications sector.
However, the current scenario demands a more robust framework to meet evolving needs effectively, as highlighted by Trai’s consultation paper.
FAQs
What is TRAI’s recent proposal about numbering resources?
TRAI has proposed introducing fees for mobile and landline numbers, citing their finite and valuable nature, to promote efficient use.
Why is TRAI proposing fees for numbering resources?
The fees aim to regulate the allocation of mobile numbers, encouraging telecom service providers to use these resources efficiently and transparently.
How does TRAI plan to address underutilized numbering resources?
TRAI is considering penalties for operators that hold on to underutilized number resources, incentivizing more efficient use and distribution.
What other measures are included in TRAI’s proposal?
The proposal includes the allocation of Mobile Country Codes (MCC) and Mobile Network Codes (MNC) for captive networks, M2M numbering resources, and adjustments to short codes and signaling point codes.
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