The GSM industry body wants a level-playing field for all service providers, opposes RIL’s request to have 4 crore numbers to begin with 4G services in India.
Calling for a level playing field for all service providers, GSM industry body COAI has reportedly asked the Department of Telecom (DoT) to allot Reliance Jio Infocomm only 10 lakh numbers in each circle as per the guidelines. According to reports, the Reliance Jio Infocomm has sought allotment of 4 crore numbers to begin with its 4G services in the country.
“We submit that there is an existing guideline set by DoT for allocation of numbers… When a service provider starts the services, they are allocated 1 million numbers in each circle of operation,” COAI is quoted as saying in a letter to DoT Secretary M F Farooqui.
The GSM industry body maintains the existing guidelines should be applicable for all operators, including new licensees.
“No additional benefit should be conferred on any particular service provider by giving them additional numbers beyond their scope,” the COAI has said.
“We submit that in current scenario of multiple operators and explosive subscriber growth, considering the constraints in the numbering resources there is a great need to see that all the levels are utilised efficiently and there is no wastage of the important resource,” it said.
Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (RJIL), the telecom arm of Reliance Industries, is the only service provider to possess a pan-India licence for 4G services. RIL is also testing the voice services on the 4G band.
