|
The
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri
Lanka ( T.R.C.S.L ) at a press conference announced
plans to take Sri Lanka yet another step forward
to be in line with international telecommunications
procedures and methods.
An
appropriate telecommunications numbering plan
is vital to stimulate continued growth of effective
telecommunications infrastructure in Sri Lanka,
in accordance with the government's police to
move towards a liberalized and technology neutral
model.
T.R.C.S.L.
announced that the present telephone numbering
plan developed more than 30 years ago. when there
were about 100.000 telephone lines in use, has
now outlived its life. Sri Lanka presently has
approximately 1.8 million telephone lines in use
and the demand for new lines are ever increasing.
In this scenario the country needs a comprehensive
numbering plan that will take into account telephone
line requirements and telecom services of the
foreseeable future.
The
10-digit numbering plan seeks to create a level
playing field for all fixed line and mobile operators,
thus stimulating healthy competition. The new
number plan will also provide for a vast number
resource to meet the future demand.
The
new number plan will provide for a uniform 10-digit
number across fixed and mobile lines. consisting
of a standard 3-digit area code plus a 7-digit
subscriber number for fixed lines and a 3-digit
operator code plus a 7-digit subscriber number
for mobile lines. .an important feature would
be that all fixed lines ( wireless and wireline
) would have a geographic identity determined
by the area code.
The
new number plan will enable the introduction of
emerging services like free phone services and
make provision for standardized short codes for
all operators. E.g. emergency services like Fire,
Ambulance and Police etc.
T.R.C.S.L
announced that in order to implement the changes
smoothly and with the least possible inconvenience
to the user, the implementation will be undertaken
in stages, commencing June this year. T.R.C.S.L
hopes to wrap up the entire project during the
course of this year.
Telecommunications
Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka.
276 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka.
TEL: +94-11-2689345, FAX:+94-11-2689341
Contact(s)
:
Mr.
Palith Silva Gunawardene
Director of Economic Affairs
Mr.
P. K Wickramarachchi
Consultant
Ms.
Champa Waragoda
Deputy Director - Compliance
-March
20, 2003
|
