TRAI on ‘Revision of National Numbering Plan’

Context

• TRAI released modification recommendations for the National Numbering Plan under its oversight. 
• The National Numbering Plan holds essential importance since telecommunication identifiers (TIs) distinguish each telecom user device service network within this sector. 
• An increase in both technological advancements and device interconnectivity necessitates effective management of identifiers for creating dependable universal telecom services.

About

• TRAI received requests from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regarding issues concerning fixed-line numbering and shortcodes and signaling codes and mobile codes and M2M (Machine-to-Machine) numbering and other matters. 
• TRAI issued its consultation paper on June 6 of 2024 after receiving such a request. 
• The set of recommendations issued by TRAI stemmed from their discussions with stakeholders in October 2024 before the finalization process.

Key aspects of their recommendations

Numbering Resources Usage

• TRAI does not suggest any costs or penalties regarding numbering resource usage during this phase.
• The government through the DoT should check funding of these resources on a yearly basis and recover unnecessary numbers.

Fixed-line Numbering System

• These changes are recommended to solve the shortage of fixed-line services numbering resources:
• The implementation should transition from SDCA-based short distance charging areas to an LSA-based 10-digit numbering system.
• Users need to initiate all fixed-line-to-fixed-line communications by dialing both the ‘0’ prefix and then the STD code and subscriber number sequence. The dialing requirements between fixed-to-mobile calls and mobile-to-mobile calls stay unchanged while all other call patterns need to dial ‘0’.
• The current telephone number framework will stay intact while system deployment needs six months to complete.
• The country will implement a national 10-digit numbering system through Fixed-line Location Routing Numbers (FLRN) during the upcoming five years to establish mobile-like fixed-line number portability features.

Addresses the spam and protection of Caller ID from spoofing

• Mobile users should benefit from Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) services that display caller identities through their networks.
• Protect Caller Line Identification (CLI) from tampering by implementing ITU standards Q.3057 and Q.3062 framework.

Deactivation of Inactive Numbers

• Any telephone number including mobile or fixed-line types cannot undergo deactivation unless the owner fails to use it for three consecutive months.
• Mandatory deactivation of numbers after 365 additional days of non-usage beyond the 90-day period.

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication

• Future Machine-to-Machine (M2M) requirements will be met by establishing a system of available 13-digit number resources.
• The migration of 10-digit SIM-based M2M connections to 13-digit format should happen according to past recommendations.

Level-1 Shortcodes

• The allocation of shortcodes remains free for all government bodies.
• The institution needs to perform annual reviews of shortcodes to retrieve codes which users no longer require.

Conclusion

• The modifications target two key objectives: better distribution of numbering resources together with service enhancement alongside managing problems in spam calls and number portability challenges. 
• These recommendations serve to fulfill India’s developing requirements within digital and telecommunication sectors.

Source: Press Information Bureau

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the recent recommendations made by TRAI regarding the revision of the National Numbering Plan and analyze their significance in addressing current challenges like resource constraints, unsolicited communication, and number portability.

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