The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has suggested a new rule for landline users. If the government accepts this proposal, people will have to dial a full 10-digit number even for local calls. This means that the current STD code system, which is used to make long-distance calls, will be removed. The change aims to free up unused phone numbers and assign them based on telecom circles or states.

New numbering system proposal

TRAI has proposed replacing the current system with a 10-digit numbering format based on Licensed Service Areas (LSA). LSAs are large regions such as states or big cities. This new system will help solve the issue of phone number shortages while making sure there is minimal inconvenience for users.

To implement this system, TRAI suggests that all fixed-line to fixed-line calls must be dialed with a prefix '0'. This should be followed by the Short Distance Charging Area (SDCA) or STD code and the subscriber's number.

"Even local calls within the same SDCA are to be dialled using a prefix of '0,' followed by the SDCA code and the subscriber number," the regulator recommended.

No changes to existing phone numbers

For landline users, the good news is that their phone numbers will not change. People will not have to update their contacts. To make the transition smooth, the Department of Telecom(DoT) has been advised to give telecom operators six months to put the new system in place.

Additionally, TRAI has suggested a more flexible rule for deactivated numbers. Instead of deactivating mobile or fixed-line connections quickly, TRAI has recommended waiting for at least 90 days after a non-usage period ends. Even then, if a connection remains inactive, it will only be deactivated after 365 days.

For phone connections that are disconnected due to reasons like surrendering the number or operator disconnection, the telecom companies can only reuse those numbers after 180 days.

TRAI has also recommended that the DoT should monitor the yearly usage of phone numbers given to telecom operators. If any phone number series remains unused, the government may take them back.

Another important suggestion is the quick implementation of the caller name display system. TRAI had recommended this feature in February last year. This system would show the caller’s name on the screen when someone receives a call. It will be introduced for both normal telecom networks and IP-based calling systems used by businesses.

No extra charges for numbering resources

There were discussions about penalising telecom companies for keeping number resources unused. However, TRAI has decided not to add any extra charges or financial penalties for numbering resources at this stage. Instead, the focus will be on better management of phone numbers.

This new proposal aims to make better use of phone numbers and simplify the dialling process for landline users in India. The final decision now rests with the government, which will decide whether to approve and implement these changes. 

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