The department of Telecommunications (DoT) does not seem to be impressed with idea of 10-digit number series for fixed line telephones. This was suggested by Telecom Authority of India (TRAI) in a proposal but was rejected by a DoT panel.

TRAI had proposed a ten-digit series for both fixed and mobile phones on the lines of the US. The idea behind this was to make the subscribers base grow smoothly. But DoT’s panel feels it would require lot of changes in fixed line telephone exchanges.    

While favoring to persist with the eight digits for fixed line telephones, the panel however said that the series should start with digits 2 and 4 only instead of 3, 6 and 5 used by some private telecom operators.  

BSNL and MTNL, Bharti Airtel number series start with 2. The panel feels that other number series being used by the private players could be accommodated in 2 and 4. 

“In-C-DOT and other legacy wireline exchanges, it is not possible to implement 10-digit series. This will have adverse affect on rural telephony,” the panel said.