TRAI instructs access providers to use five digit code for service

New Delhi, Jan 4 (UNI) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today instructed access providers to use five digit code starting with 5 for allocation of short codes to their content providers.

The DoT had recently issued guidelines suggesting the use of five digit code starting with level 5 by access providers for allocation of short codes to their content providers including SMS-based services within their network. Accordingly, all existing four digit short codes were to be prefixed by five to convert the same to five digit codes.

Further, the existing five and six digit short codes were to be migrated to five digit codes by replacing the first digit or first two digits respectively by five.

Short codes are being used by service providers or content providers for applications including downloading ring-tones contests, quiz, polls, information and enquiry services, entertainment, SMS, games, astrology and cricket updates.

TRAI observed that some of these short codes were not in accordance with the National Numbering Plan-2003 and DoT's earlier orders on this issue. As per the license agreement access providers should adhere to the National Numbering Plan-2203.

In this context TRAI had asked, by a direction on July 31, 2006, access providers to stop use of these prohibited levels.

Subsequently this issue was examined by DoT and necessary guidelines in this regard were issued.

TRAI has sought compliance of the DoT guidelines from all the access providers as and when the same is implemented but not later than May 31, 2007.

UNI