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The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRC) outlined the next major changes of the 10-Digit National Numbering Plan at a media conference yesterday.

The implementation of the 10-Digit National Numbering Plan commenced last month with changes in Ja-Ela, Katunayake, Mannar and Panadura numbers. Subsequently Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) numbers starting with 2 have been changed in Galle, Gampaha, Hambantota, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Ratnapura and Kandy as the second phase without any noticeable burden on the public.

The number changes to be carried out on August 16 are of significant importance involving nearly 350,000 SLT numbers in Colombo (01 Area) exchanges. All the SLT numbers starting with digits 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 will be changed by adding the digit 2 in front of the existing numbers. All Colombo SLT numbers will have 7 digit telephone numbers and 9 digit national numbers from August 16.

Apart from these SLT Numbers in Trincomalee and Kalutara (Horana Exchange only) will also be changed on August 9 and 16.

This will be followed by another important change of Suntel and Lanka Bell numbers. Suntel and Lanka Bell also will be absorbed into the common 10 Digit National Numbering Scheme from November 8.

Unlike at present Suntel and Lanka Bell numbers will be getting geographic identity, by replacing the access code with the area codes. A Subscriber numbers of Suntel and Lanka Bell will be 7 digits by adding digit 4 (in case of Suntel) and digit 5 (in case of Lanka Bell) to their present numbers.

Benefits

* The length of all national numbers of all fixed services and mobile operators will be uniform with 10 digits.

* The length of all the local numbers (Subscriber numbers) of fixed phones will be on 7 digits irrespective of the operator.

* The length of all the area codes will be 3 digits

* All fixed operators will have geographic numbers there by enabling dialling within a particular area as a local call among the incumbent service providers.

* Provide a substantial number resource at the disposal to meet the fast growing demand for fixed and mobile telephones and also for new services being made available, which will require more than one number for each connection.

* Enable the introduction of new emerging services, including free phone service.

* Provide standardised short codes for all operators for customers to access Emergency services or operator dependent services.

For the Emergency services arrangements will be made for customers of any operator to access these services on the following short codes. Dates of implementation will be announced when arrangements are finalised in coordination with the Operators and the authorities concerned.

Emergency/Regional -112

Emergency/Centralised - 119

Fire/Regionalised - 111

Ambulance/Regionalised - 110

Thus these codes will provide common access to all operators.

Uniform 4 digit short codes will be adopted for all operators to access services such as Billing Complaints, Directory inquiries and Faults will be of 4 digits.

Preventive measures

Although, dialling of the old numbers after the change will be directed to announcements, it is TRC's endeavour to minimise such dialling through adequate public awareness. This will avoid unnecessary overloading of the telephone systems and thereby minimise or totally eliminate any possibility of congestion. The information has also been circulated worldwide through the ITUs Operational Bulletin. In order to minimise any inconvenience that may be caused, forward to the cooperation of the public by drawing their attention to the TRC looks the following:

* Change telephone numbers in letterheads and visiting cards on time. We recommend stamping on the existing letterheads indicating the new telephone and facsimile numbers. For example, new numbers from August 16: +94 1 2XX XXXX (International),

(01) 2XX XXXX etc..(National)

The TRC recommends that new letterheads be printed after the change to 10 digits with the change of Colombo code to 011 on October 18 and Suntel and Lanka Bell numbers change on November 8.

* Change the numbers stored in the Fax machines so that the new numbers will be printed in the Fax headers.

* Re-program the numbers stored in Cellular Mobile hand phones so that the new numbers are sent out after August 16.

* Re-program the numbers stored in PABX and other devices, which is usually done to facilitate calling of frequently called numbers.

* Re-program your Call Forwarding and Hot Line facility accordingly.

* Change the numbers saved in your Computer to access the Internet or E-mail Service Provider wherever SLT numbers are used.

* Inform overseas contacts on time.

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