TRAI Proposes Fees for Mobile and Landline Numbers in India

According to TRAI, phone numbers represent a valuable yet finite public resource, warranting a reevaluation

In a significant move, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed introducing fees for mobile and landline numbers. This proposal, outlined in a consultation paper released on June 6, 2024, suggests that mobile operators might soon face charges for these numbers, potentially passing the costs onto consumers. According to TRAI, phone numbers represent a valuable yet finite public resource, warranting a reevaluation of their allocation and use. The initiative comes as advancements in communication technologies, including 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, have surged, necessitating a comprehensive review of the existing numbering system. TRAI emphasized that introducing fees aims to ensure the efficient management and allocation of these finite resources.

TRAI clarified that, similar to spectrum allocation, the ownership of the numbering space rests with the government. Mobile operators are granted the right to use these numbers during their license period. The new telecom law, passed in December last year, authorizes the imposition of charges on numbers, referred to as ‘telecom identifiers’. India seeks to follow the precedent set by countries such as Australia, Singapore, and the UK, where fees for phone numbers are already standard practice. To implement these charges, TRAI has suggested several methods, including a one-time fee per number, an annual recurring fee, or centralized auctions for premium or 'VIP' numbers.

As this proposal progresses, it is expected to spark discussions on the impact on consumers and the telecom industry at large, marking a potential shift in how India manages its valuable numbering resources.