New Delhi, Mar 04: The Telecom Regulator today said it is finding out ways and means to create a regime where a phone subscriber can retain a single number while having the option to change their service providers. Speaking at a CII Telecom Summit, Rajendra Singh, advisor (mobile) said that telecom regulatory authority of India will come out within a month with a consultation paper on number portability. He, however, did not specify whether it would be applicable to mobile or landline phone users or both. He said Trai is currently having discussions with consultants and studying number portability in different countries. Mr Singh said besides making it a consumer friendly move, the Telecom regulator is also looking at to the extent to which such a regime could increase the cost to operators. These will be the issues when we come out with the consultation paper, and the inputs of the stakeholders will help us to take a decision, he said.


On the issue of unification of all telecom services, Trai is expected to issue a consultation paper within a week.

He said the cellular operators' association of India's demand to allow direct Intra-circle connectivity, has been raised in the preliminary consultation paper for unified licence. We have got the response on the preliminary consultation paper and we are going to come out with a consultation paper on unified licencing in a week, he said.


Trai is also working out guidelines to address issues for the efficient use of spectrum by telecom companies. We will see if additional spectrum is necessary to be allocated to operators, Singh said.

Bureau Report