Trai’s new proposal: You might soon be charged for your phone number

You may soon have to pay for your mobile and landline numbers. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has proposed introducing fees for mobile and landline numbers, citing that phone numbers represent a valuable yet finite public resource.

This proposal, detailed in a consultation paper released on June 6, 2024, suggests that mobile operators might face charges for these numbers, which could subsequently be passed on to consumers.

Trai has said that the advancements in communication technologies, including the widespread adoption of 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, and Internet of Things devices, have necessitated a comprehensive review of the existing numbering system. According to Trai, the introduction of fees aims to ensure the efficient allocation and use of these ‘finite resources’.