Mobile phone and landline users can now dial STD numbers
without using 0 or +91 as a prefix following the implementation of an
order by the department of telecom (DoT) by leading telecom companies.
The move constitutes a major step towards achieving full mobile number portability (MNP). Many leading telecom service providers have started implementing the service while others are putting in place the requisite technology and carrying out trial runs.
The directive constitutes a major step forward towards nationwide MNP as there is no distinction between a local and an STD number while making a call.
Vodafone India has implemented the order on its network across cities and also with subscribers of other companies like Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
The MTS India spokesman told MAIL TODAY that the company has rolled out the facility across all its nine circles.
"We had already carried out the trial runs earlier and our subscribers do not need to use the prefixes for making STD calls," he added.
Rajan S Mathews, director general of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), said, "The dropping of 0 and +91 was in order to facilitate timely implementation of nationwide MNP. Without this, it would have taken nine months or so to implement MNP. Now, a small number of customers may have to pay STD charges if not aware of it. However, as the price differential between local and STD charges are not great, customers may find this asmall price to pay to enjoy national MNP."
Mathews said that eventually all telcos would have to complete the process for full MNP.
"Otherwise if some companies do not have the technology in place, subscribers of other companies would not be able to reach them."
These changes require configuration modifications in each operator's nodes and operators had sought more time to implement this before full MNP kicks in.
DoT has introduced a new amendment in national numbering plan, under which each telecom circle and operators are allocated mobile numbers. The first few digits of a mobile number indicate the telecom circle.
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The move constitutes a major step towards achieving full mobile number portability (MNP). Many leading telecom service providers have started implementing the service while others are putting in place the requisite technology and carrying out trial runs.
The directive constitutes a major step forward towards nationwide MNP as there is no distinction between a local and an STD number while making a call.
Vodafone India has implemented the order on its network across cities and also with subscribers of other companies like Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
The MTS India spokesman told MAIL TODAY that the company has rolled out the facility across all its nine circles.
"We had already carried out the trial runs earlier and our subscribers do not need to use the prefixes for making STD calls," he added.
Rajan S Mathews, director general of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), said, "The dropping of 0 and +91 was in order to facilitate timely implementation of nationwide MNP. Without this, it would have taken nine months or so to implement MNP. Now, a small number of customers may have to pay STD charges if not aware of it. However, as the price differential between local and STD charges are not great, customers may find this asmall price to pay to enjoy national MNP."
Mathews said that eventually all telcos would have to complete the process for full MNP.
"Otherwise if some companies do not have the technology in place, subscribers of other companies would not be able to reach them."
These changes require configuration modifications in each operator's nodes and operators had sought more time to implement this before full MNP kicks in.
DoT has introduced a new amendment in national numbering plan, under which each telecom circle and operators are allocated mobile numbers. The first few digits of a mobile number indicate the telecom circle.
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