Reliance Communications (RCom) today rolled out its new GSM mobile number series beginning with '8' instead of the usual '9' in the Delhi-NCR circle.
The new series numbers of '8010xxxxxx' would be available on both GSM pre-paid and post-paid platforms, a company statement said.
For over 15 years, India has been using mobile numbers starting with '9xxxxxxxx'. But with the phenomenal growth in the mobile telephony with over one crore subscribers being added every month, the DoT is facing exhaustion of the 10-digit mobile numbers.
It is exploring various options like converting the Unique Identity Number (UID) into mobile number as well as introduction of 11-12 digit numbers.
RCom is learnt to have got approval for using the series 8 in Maharashtra and Goa also.
"Reliance has always taken pride in meeting high customer value expectations. Now, we take pleasure in providing a completely new number series to customers," Rcom Regional Head (Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan) C S Rana said.