In technical terms, the first digit of a telephone number is called a level. With the ever-increasing population of mobile users, the existing levels have not been able to accommodate the growing demand, and the Department of Telecommunication had decided to introduce the 95 series for mobile service providers
. Along with this, the 94, 93 and 92 series were allotted to specific service providers, including BSNL mobile, Reliance CDMA and Tata Indicom. With the new changes, these series will soon be allotted to other service providers too.

Sources in Reliance Communications confirmed that the company has received an allotment of 95 series in some circles. The source refused to divulge more information about the allotment of 95 series.

When contacted, an Airtel spokesperson confirmed that the company had been allotted a series starting with 95. The first four digits of the Airtel numbers will be 9516. The company has introduced the 95 series in post-paid as well in pre-paid connections in its Maharashtra region.

Idea Cellular has also received an allotment of numbers starting with 9594, and customers have started using these new numbers in its Mumbai circle.

Speaking to TOI, Chandra Prakash, chief general manager, BSNL, Maharashtra circle said, "With the instruction from DoT, BSNL has stopped the 95 dialling service. We are not aware that the DoT has started allotting mobile numbers starting with the 95 series and BSNL has not yet received an allotment from the concerned department."

The Vodafone Essar official also confirmed that the company has received a 95 series allotment for its prepaid connections and it will available in the markets in a couple of days. The company has not yet finalised its plans about post-paid connections.

As per DoT norms, the other series will also be vacated for other service providers, which is a part of the number-portability scheme.