The parallel working of the seven- and eight-digit numbers, which has been in place since 1 March 2002, will end on 31 March 2002. Starting 1 April 2002, only calls made using the eight-digit numbers beginning with '6' will be put through. Callers who dial the seven-digit numbers will hear a recorded message in four languages, ...
Singapore, 26 March 2002 | For Immediate Release
The parallel working of the seven- and eight-digit numbers, which has been in place since 1 March 2002, will end on 31 March 2002. Starting 1 April 2002, only calls made using the eight-digit numbers beginning with '6' will be put through. Callers who dial the seven-digit numbers will hear a recorded message in four languages, after which they will need to re-dial with the new 8-digit number.
Users who have yet to reconfigure their telecommunication-related equipment such as security alarm and PABX systems to support the eight-digit numbers are urged to do so immediately to avoid service disruption. Internet dial-up subscribers should reprogramme the number in their dial-up software. Users of value-added services such as call-screening or call-forwarding should also reprogramme the stored numbers before 1 April 2002.
"We have statistics showing us that at least four out of 10 callers have started using the eight-digit numbers. This is encouraging news and we are confident that this number will continue to grow as we near the end of the parallel access period. For those who are still not used to dialling the extra '6' or simply forget to do so, we hope they will make the change very soon", commented Mr Lim Choon Sai, Director for Technical Regulation, whose team at the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), manages the conversion to the eight-digit number format.
For more information, members of the public may refer to www.imda.gov.sg, and select the section "New Phone Numbering Format". They may also contact their telecommunication service providers or the IDA should they require assistance.
SingTel 1800-8-DIGITS (1800-8-344487)
StarHub 1800-STARHUB (1800-782 7482)
IDA 1800-ADD-A-SIX (1800-233 2749) or email: 1stDial6@imda.gov.sg
ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, please visit www.imda.gov.sg.
For media clarification, please contact:
Ms Chia Sher Ling
Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)
Tel: (65) 6211-1840
Email: chia_sher_ling@imda.gov.sg
Questions on how the 8-digit number format will impact specific services offered by the telecommunication service providers can be directed to:
SingTel
Mr Chia Boon Chong
Senior Corporate Communications Manager
Tel: (65) 6838-2022
Fax: (65) 6733-1350
Email: boonchong@singtel.com
StarHub
Ms Jeannie Ong
Assistant Vice President
Corporate Communications
Tel: (65) 6825-5168
Fax: (65) 6721-5015
Email: jeannieo@starhub.com.sg
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