Have you ever wondered why mobile numbers are only 10 digits? It is not a coincidence that mobile numbers in India are 10 digits, but there is a systematic plan behind it. Yes, we are talking about the National Numbering Plan (NNP) 2003. Under this plan, a single standard is set for all telecom networks in the country that all mobile numbers will be 10 digits only.
There is another interesting fact, about which we tell you. You must have noticed that the starting number of old numbers was 9. After a few years, it started starting with 8 and after a few years, now mobile numbers have also started starting with 6. The reason behind this is that in a 10-digit number, the number of numbers starting with a single digit is limited and when all the numbers of that digit are exhausted, the telecom companies change the starting number of the numbers.
A big example of this is that companies have now started starting mobile numbers with 6 instead of 9 and in the future, the numbers can also be started with 5 and 4. Let us know why the number of mobile numbers is 10.
What is the reason behind the number of numbers being 10?
Having 10-digit numbers allows a very large number of mobile numbers to be issued in the country. This has helped in meeting the mobile services needs of the country's growing population.
When the mobile network was expanding in India, it was necessary to ensure that all numbers were unique so that the networks could easily connect. 10-digit numbers ensured that all networks followed the same numbering system.
India's national numbering plan has been made in line with international standards. This has made it easier to connect India's mobile network with the networks of other countries of the world.
History of numbering plan
When mobile services were started in India, the number of numbers was less and the numbers were small. But given the increasing demand, the Department of Telecommunications launched a National Numbering Plan, under which all mobile numbers were made 10 digits.
Each telecom operator was given a different code so that the numbers could be linked to different networks. This is why mobile numbers in India are 10 digits. It has played an important role in the development of mobile services in the country and has given us a systematic and efficient telecom network. However, according to the new National Numbering Plan 2020, the 10-digit number can be increased to 11 digits.
(PC: Freepik)
