With a view to providing telecom subscribers relief from pesky calls and SMSes, the Department of Telecom (DoT) will meet security agencies next week to discuss concerns pertaining to issuing identifiable landline number series to telemarketing firms.

"We will meet security agencies next week to discuss issues they have with regard to identifiable landline number series for telemarketing agencies," DoT  Secretary R Chandrashekhar told reporters. Telecom regulator Trai, to put a check on unsolicited calls and SMSes, had asked DoT to allocate easily  identifiable number series for telemarketing companies.

While a series beginning with '140' was allocated to mobile services, a separate identifiable number series for landline numbers hasn't been allocated yet. 

DoT has pointed out various technical, billing and security concerns in issuing a number series for landline services. "Most of the work in case of landlines is done manually. Fixed line network is not automatic as mobile network is. Identification in case of fixed line is  done through manual process," a DoT official had said.

A call from a landline number can be identified based on STD code -- the initial digits and then levels (digits following STD codes), which differ from

exchange to exchange within a city. In case identifiable series of '140' is used, it will impact the numbering system being used at present for allocating  new connections.

Adding 3-digit series to landline numbers will take total digits to 13 and to transmit such numbers on telecom networks, especially for caller line
identification, BSNL and MTNL need to install new equipment in exchanges.

Also, it will be difficult for security agencies to track calls, as it will display uniform code instead of STD code for connections across the country.