Although the `national subscriber number' would have 10 digits, it is not required to dial 10 digits for accessing another number within the circle or state, N S Ramachandran, member, TRAI, said.

TRAI proposed to go through a detailed consultative process with DoT, private operators and telephone users before giving final shape to a new numbering system. ``It is expected to take a few months and some changes can occur in contents from the present form,'' he said.

After finalising a system from the two mooted proposals, a time-frame for implementation would be discussed with the authorities concerned, he said adding a detailed consultation would begin by the end of next month after the operators submitted their suggestions.

He explained that the new number plans were more flexiblethan the existing system where trunk code has to be dialled for even within-the-state call. As per the new system, only the local number would have to be dialled within the state or telecom circle.