Will 10 digit mobile numbers really be banned? Know the real truth of TRAI’s new rules:

Tech Desk, New Delhi. For the last few days, a news is becoming increasingly viral on social media and WhatsApp groups that 10 digit mobile numbers will soon become history in India and will be replaced by 11 digit numbers. This news has created a stir among crores of mobile users. People are worried whether they will have to change their years old number? Let us do a ‘post-mortem’ of this viral news based on the guidelines of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and know what the reality is.

11 digit mobile number: Where did this discussion start from?

Considering the speed at which the number of mobile subscribers is increasing in India, availability of new numbers can be a big challenge in the coming times. Keeping this future need in mind, TRAI had issued a consultation paper, in which it was suggested that if the capacity of mobile numbers is to be increased to 1000 crores, then a system of 11 digits can be considered. Simply, this technical suggestion was spread on social media as a ‘new rule’.

What is the truth of viral news? (TRAI’s stance)

TRAI has made its position completely clear on this matter. At present no order has been issued to change the 10 digit personal mobile numbers of the general public. The 11-digit number is only a long-term suggestion, on which no final decision has been taken yet. Therefore, there is no need to change your SIM card or update your number.

The numbers haven’t changed, but these 3 changes have definitely happened.

Even though your number may remain 10 digits, TRAI has made some other important changes to streamline the telecom system:

Rule for calling from landline: Now, to call a mobile from any landline phone, it is mandatory to put ‘0’ (zero) in front of the number. This has helped in creating crores of new number series.

13-digit numbers: 13-digit numbers are now being used not for human-to-human communication, but for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications (such as smart meters, GPS trackers or car security systems).

CNAP (Caller Name Display): TRAI is working on a technology through which when a call is received, the same name of the caller will be visible on the screen which is recorded in his Aadhaar card or KYC documents.

What could be the future numbering scheme?

Currently in India, mobile numbers start with the series of 9, 8, 7 and 6. Experts believe that if the 11-digit system is implemented in the future, the option to add ‘9’ in front of the existing numbers may be chosen. However, the process is so complex that it is not possible to implement it overnight.

Important advice for users

Do not click on any misleading news or links sent by strangers claiming to update your mobile number. For any official information, always rely on the official website of TRAI or messages from your service provider (Jio, Airtel, Vi). Be cautious and avoid rumours.