Consensus 8Digit Plan En

News Release

Consensus on the Migration to 8-Digit Numbering Plan for Mobile Networks as from 1st September 2013

Port-Louis: The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA), mobile operators (Cellplus Mobile Communications Ltd, Emtel Ltd and MTML) as well as other stakeholders concerned (consumer organisations, representatives of civil society …) have reached a consensus on the migration to 8-Digit Numbering Plan for mobile networks. The chosen implementation date is for the 1st of September 2013. A ‘5’ could be the leading digit added before existing mobile numbers.

These major developments have been culminated during a workshop this morning, organised by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority in collaboration with Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, at Hennessy Park Hotel, Ebène.

The mobile operators had the option between two migration methods to 8 digits: either a parallel run of existing 7-digit numbers and new 8-digit numbers running for a few months or a hard cut-off for the migration to the 8-Digit Numbering Plan for mobile networks.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority will also come up with a robust communication strategy to fully inform the public of the forthcoming changes in this domain in the near future.

During the workshop this morning, the technical issues on the 8-Digit Numbering Plan for mobile networks have also been taken onboard in order to ensure continuity in the quality of service, offered to the public.

The Executive Director, Dr. K. Oolun, has stressed on the fact that, with the forthcoming 8-Digit Numbering Plan for mobile networks, members of the public would benefit from the adoption of mobile numbers lifelong, without any risk of deactivation even though they do not use their mobile numbers for several months.

The Chairman of the ICT Authority, Trilock Dwarka, has highlighted that the migration to 8-Digit Numbering Plan for mobile networks, will potentially offer a reservoir of 100 million numbers which will eventually sustain innovation in the mobile arena.

The Minister of the Information and Communication Technology, Honourable Tassarajen Pillay Chedumbrum, has also highlighted that the 8-Digit Numbering Plan, will help creating an environment which will leverage the ICT sector in reaching a major step in its development.

03 May 2012