Users have complained about the OTP (One-time password) issue in 97 range numbers of NTC. Apparently, the fresh 97 range numbers by the state-telco don’t receive OTPs leading to annoyance to the SIM card users.
NTC (Nepal Telecom) has begun distributing 97 range numbers for GSM SIM after reaching the 30 million cap with its previous 98 range numbers.
Under National Numbering Plan, NTC had been selling SIM cards with the 98 range. This included 984, and 986 for prepaid and 985 for postpaid services in which NTC could issue only 10 million numbers for each. However, the company has reached its limit and has begun selling the 97 number range since Chaitra 2077.
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OTP Issues Followed From CDMA
The 97 number range was previously issued for CDMA service. As the telco is closing its dated service, it has started converting the CDMA-based 97 number range for GSM service. However, the 97 number range has seen an OTP issue with reception.
It seems NTC’s 97 range numbers struggle to receive OTPs. The issue was already there with the CDMA networks and has continued even after NTC ported them for the GSM services.
There were no SMS providers for NTC’s CDMA service either. Due to it, the issue was already persistent with the 97 numbers in the past. Now that NTC has converted the said range for the GSM service, the lack of the OTP carriers means, the issue has persisted again.
The issue is common with foreign companies which require their subscribers to verify with the codes.
Do read: Ntc requests people not to share codes with others
“I have bought two 97 range SIM cards of NTC. I can receive OTP from NTC but not from other companies,” Techpana has quoted Rajan Subedi, an engineer from Kathmandu.
97 Numbers Can’t Receive OTPs, NTC Admits
Speaking on the problem, NTC has admitted that 97 number ranges could have issues with OTP reception.
“We have noticed the issue with OTP reception on numbers starting with 97 number ranges. There is no issue with companies operating in Nepal. There is no issue with OTPs coming for Mobile Banking apps as they are sent by NTC itself. However, the numbers have issues with OTPs reception from international companies such as Facebook, Google, etc,” an engineer speaking to Techpana said.
“The problem started after we began operating 97 number range for GSM services. For OTPs to arrive at the phones with the 97 range, they must first determine that the number belongs to Nepal. For example, 977 identifies with Nepal. Codes following 977 such as 985, 984 are known to be NTC numbers. In the 97 range too, some numbers such as 974, 975 are CDMA contacts, he added.”
Do read: The Problem of Not Receiving OTPs Timely On Your Phone, Explained!!
Problem In Routing!
But 97 range is new to GSM services. International SMS providers must also realize that the new number range, 97 in this case, belongs to Nepal Telecom. Only after this, the companies can route their message or calls to NTC’s 97 numbers. The current issue is persisting for the lack of routing.
The Engineer added, “Solving OTP issue in For 97 Range will take time. NTC does acknowledge this issue so it has already taken steps to coordinate with foreign companies to address the problem”.
OTPs are a very important factor to smartphone users. The codes are essential to establish services from social media, bank accounts to many other utility apps.
The OTP issue in NTC’s 97 number is causing thousands of its customers a major inconvenience. We hope that NTC coordinates with foreign SMS carriers to sort out the issue soon.
Do you own a 97 range number from NTC? If you have faced OTP issues on your phones, do share with others in the comments below.
