The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has asked Vodafone India to stop using the number 111 for offering customer care services in the country. According to TRAI, the telecom operator is violating the national numbering plan issued by the telecom department in 2003. As per the numbering plan, the numbers, 111-115, have been kept idle and not allocated for any type of services.
However, the advertisement on Vodafone India’s website shows that the customers can call '111' to get internet settings for their prepaid data offers, postpaid 3G data packs, self help for data services, and balance enquiry.
Therefore, the telecom regulator has issued a show cause notice to Vodafone for violation of the national numbering plan and directed the operator to submit a compliance report by March 10, 2015.
In this regard, Vodafone has stated that the number has been in use by them for the last two decades and the operator is not aware on any restriction in the use of the number.