The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) late on Wednesday denied reports that it is implementing a 13-digit mobile number system for consumers.
The department through a communique clarified that a directive for 13-digit number system was issued exclusively for machine-to-machine (M2M) SIM cards used for direct communication among electronic devices.
The directive will have no impact on the existing 10-digit consumer mobile numbers, the department had added.
The DoT has decided that all M2M connections will be migrated from the current 10-digit numbering systems to a 13-digit one.
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“It was decided that 13-digit M2M numbering plan will be implemented from 1st July 2018. From this date onwards, all new M2M mobile connections will be allocated 13-digit numbers only,” a letter sent by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to network equipment providers ZTE Telecom and Nokia Solutions stated.
“All TSP’s must ensure that their network elements, including IT and other relevant systems are aligned with 13-digit numbering for M2M SIMs before 1st July 2018. The readiness of LI system has also to be ensured for 13-digit numbers before 1st July 2018,” it added.
The news of transition to a 13-digit number system has sent waves of speculation among mobile phone users, believing it would be applicable to all users, which is actually not the case.