The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today sought views from the industry on introduction of 11-digit mobile numbers in view of existing 10-digit numbers getting exhausted due to phenomenal growth in the sector.
The regulator has floated a consultation paper and has asked the operators to give their opinions.
The 10-digit mobile numbers are expected to get exhausted soon due to the phenomenal growth in mobile telephony in the country with over 15 million users being added every month.
The Trai is also looking at possibilities of retaining 10 digit numbering scheme.
It has also sought industry's views on migrating to 11 digit for fixed and mobile telephones.
Besides, it is also looking at pricing of the numbers as a tool for encouraging efficient utilisation of numbering resources.
"Major modifications in a numbering plan could mean substantial changes in the network and costs for the service providers.
"From the subscribers viewpoint as well, frequent changes are inconvenient.