KARACHI Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has devised a comprehensive numbering plan to accommodate growing telephone users especially in the major cities of the country.
As part of the plan the fixed line numbers of PTCL, NTC as well as Wireless Local Loop (WLL) numbers of Karachi and Lahore have successfully been changed from seven digits to eight digits.
According to details, the digit '3' has been added to the existing seven-digit telephone number of Karachi and Lahore except the numbers starting from '9.'
The digit '9' has been added to all the existing numbers starting from '9.'
At present both old and new numbers can be dialled for a period of three months in parallel operation. However, only new numbers would be dialable after three months.
PTA has been conducting successful tests and trials since last month to implement successful launch and to make sure consumers don't get effected due to the change.
A parallel operation of old and new numbers will remain in action, from July one to Sep 30, 2009, enabling the subscribers to dial old as well as new numbers.
From October 1, old number cannot be dialed and announcements for the addition of one digit before any dialed number of Lahore and Karachi will start working for users.
It may be mentioned that 'National Numbering Plan 2008' was prepared by PTA with extensive research and inputs of technical experts.
The plan was circulated to the industry for consultation and after receiving comments from all stake holders, PTA finalized it which took one year.
Moreover, seven to eight Digits Fixed Number Migration Plan will be implemented in a phased manner all over the country.
In Phase-1 FLL and WLL operators in Karachi and Lahore will shift from seven digits to eight digits dialling format. This would create capacity for current and future expansion as these two cities have reached a level where migration is essential to cater for smooth growth in subscriber base of various operators.
In Phase-2 (after 1-2 years) other major cities would be shifted, while in the Third Phase the rest of the country would be shifted in 3-4 years time period.
It may be mentioned that 'National Numbering Plan 2008' was prepared by PTA with extensive research and inputs of technical experts.
The plan was circulated to the industry for consultation and after receiving comments from all stake holders, PTA finalized it which took one year.
Moreover, seven to eight Digits Fixed Number Migration Plan will be implemented in a phased manner all over the country.
In Phase-1 FLL and WLL operators in Karachi and Lahore will shift from seven digits to eight digits dialling format. This would create capacity for current and future expansion as these two cities have reached a level where migration is essential to cater for smooth growth in subscriber base of various operators.
In Phase-2 (after 1-2 years) other major cities would be shifted, while in the Third Phase the rest of the country would be shifted in 3-4 years time period. — APP
