11 digit phone numbers are coming sooner than you think

Reports have suggested that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will soon consider changing the numbering schemes for mobile phones in India to accommodate 11-digit phone numbers. A major reason for this is the steep curve in the rising number of mobile connections in the country. Among other options, the most likely one TRAI will choose is to increase a digit on the current 10-digit phone numbering scheme. The new scheme might also push fixed line connections from eight to 10 digits.

Currently, the country has 10-digit mobile phone numbers beginning with 9, 8 and 7. These numbers can accommodate 2.1 billion connections, which does look like a big number, but is actually not enough to