TRAI denies charges for multiple SIMs in proposed numbering plan


The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has addressed misleading media reports concerning its recent consultation paper on revising the National Numbering Plan (NNP).

TRAI’s Clarification on National Numbering Plan (NNP)

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) clarified misleading reports on its recent National Numbering Plan (NNP) consultation paper.

TRAI denied proposing fees for mobile or landline numbers, or charges for holding multiple SIMs or numbering resources.

It aims to correct misinformation, stating, “Some media outlets have reported that TRAI has proposed fees for mobile and landline numbers to ensure efficient allocation and use of these ‘finite resources.’

The speculation that TRAI intends to impose charges on customers for holding multiple SIMs or numbering resources is ‘unequivocally false.’

National Numbering Plan Revision

TRAI released a consultation paper titled “Revision of National Numbering Plan” on June 6, 2024, to improve the management and use of Telecommunication Identifier (TI) resources in India.

This follows a request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on September 29, 2022, for recommendations on revising the National Numbering Plan for better management and use of numbering resources.

In its recent statement, TRAI emphasized its commitment to minimal regulatory intervention, promoting market self-regulation, and stated that they “reject and condemn” any false information regarding the consultation paper.

Consultation Process

TRAI’s consultation process is open and inclusive, involving publishing papers, gathering stakeholder feedback, studying global practices, and holding public discussions. Recommendations to DoT are made after thorough analysis and logical consideration, TRAI explained.

TRAI urges all stakeholders and the public to refer to official press releases and the consultation paper on its website for accurate information. The Authority remains committed to fostering an “environment of clarity and factual integrity,” said TRAI in its release.

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