Trail for 13 digit mobile numbers begins

 Mobile numbers are changing as the Department of Telecom has issued 13-digit numbers to telecom operators. However, the mobile number will not have 13 digits. 

The machine-to-machine (M2M) communications is undergoing the trial process for smart electric metres and car tracking devices.

Here’s all that you need need to know:

Earlier this year, speculation rose regarding the mobile numbers getting 13 digits which originated due to the media misinterpreting a DoT letter written to telecom companies on 13-digit numbers which will be implemented from July 1, 2018.

However, the letter specified that the 13-digit numbers are only for M2M (machine2machine) SIM cards which are used in automated machines and in machines that run on network connectivity.

The M2M machines range includes small gadgets to big machinery with all requiring mobile network connectivity of Internet for their fundamental functioning. 

These are utilised for applications in smart homes, fleet management, traffic control, supply chain, wearables and more.

13-digit numbers have been allocated to Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone, BSNL, Vodafone and Idea Cellular for testing purposes only.

All the telecom licence holders should be allowed to provide M2M service using any spectrum, as per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

The DoT authorised the distribution of one million codes for the trial purpose of each LSA (licence service area) to service providers, as mentioned in the letter.

The new numbering plan for M2M mobile connections will come into effect from July 31, 2018, with all new connections will be given 13-digit numbers.

Starting from October 1 this year, the existing M2M numbers will undergo migration process to 13-digits and the deadline for the same is December 31, 2018.

So far, only China is the country with 11-digit mobile numbers and now India will have the longest mobile numbers when the 13-digit numbers come into effect.