India May Need 11-Digit Phone Numbers Shortly

India's Department of Telecommunications is considering changes to the numbering system to switch to 11-digits due to a projected shortage. The ministry's Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) developed a 30-year program for phone numbering in 2003, but the recent surge in subscriber numbers has thrown the plan into disarray.

"With so many telecom service providers and a growing customer base, the need for new numbers and their consequent shortage will be felt soon," a senior official who did not want to be named told the Economic Times at the weekend. "The TEC has recommended the new numbering plan that has been forwarded to the government for the final decision," the official added.

The operators are understood to be ready for change to the numbering plan, which could be carried out within a few months of being approved by the government.

"With such a robust growth, we would require new (number) series very soon. There would be no technical issues as such but the customers may have to face some problems initially," Aircel chief operating officer Gurdeep Singh told IANS.

On the web: Economic Times - IANS

Posted to the site on 5th April 2009