IDA will issue the numbers to the operators (SingTel, StarHub & M1) by end March 2004. It is then up to the operators when they plan to make these numbers available to their subscribers.
Mobile numbers starting with digit '8' fall in the level next to existing mobile number level starting with '9'. The intention is to group the mobile numbers together to allow users to more easily associate the numbers starting with '8' with the existing mobile numbers (numbers starting with '9').
The existing mobile numbers starting with '9' will not be affected by the introduction of the new numbers. The new mobile phone numbers with prefix '8' will complement the existing numbers with prefix '9' which subscribers can continue to use.
By adding a '6' to all fixed line numbers in March 2002, IDA standardised all local fixed and mobile numbers to have 8-digits. In addition, the national number resource grew as numbers starting with '2', '3', '4', '5', '7' and '8' were freed up. The introduction of mobile numbers with prefix '8' is a natural development as unused numbers starting with '9' are running out. This is also in anticipation of the demand for existing and future mobile services.
The pool of numbers starting with '9' is not solely reserved for mobile numbers. A portion of it has been allocated to paging, trunked radio and emergency service. Numbers which are very close to emergency numbers such as "999" and "995" (e.g. "99X"), are not in use to reduce the possibility of dialling errors. Dialling errors direct calls to emergency lines which may inadvertently interfere with genuine calls for help.
Depending on the demand for mobile services, there may be other ranges of 8-digit numbers for mobile services when the existing pool of numbers starting with '9' and '8' runs out.
Yes, in future, there will be other ranges of 8-digit numbers (not beginning with '6') for fixed line services. These will be introduced when the numbers beginning with '6' run out.
Singapore started off on a 5 and 6-digit numbering format in the 1960s. As the telephone network grew, this evolved to a uniform 7-digit numbering format in the 1980s. The increase in number length has always been gradual, i.e. one digit at a time. The 8-digit numbering format will increase the number resource by more than 60 million numbers which will meet our existing and future needs. It is premature to implement a 9-digit numbering format at this stage.
No, all telecommunication services will function as per normal.
No, equipment change is not necessary because generally telecom equipment used in Singapore is capable of handling the new number range.
Users should check with their respective mobile service providers if they need to pay for such instances.
Users are advised to check with their respective mobile service providers as different providers have different service offerings.
Some systems may have been programmed to only recognise valid number ranges (i.e. numbers starting with '0', '1', '6' and '9') while others are programmed to accept all number ranges. As such, users are advised to check with their equipment vendors who can advise them if reconfiguration is needed. A list of vendors supplying such equipment can be found at http://www.ida.gov.sg/idaweb/pnr, under the sections "Spectrum & Numbering" / "Number Information" / "New Mobile Number Range" / "List of Equipment Vendors".
Companies are advised to check directly with their equipment vendors if they need to and how much it will cost to reconfigure their phone systems.