Among the Ntc (Nepal Telecom) mobile users, there’s a noticeable liking for the 98510 postpaid number. While there are already different ranges of numbers available, several users still crave this particular range, but why? It doesn’t sound like preference of a few even though the number range is out of distribution. So, in this article, we explore why people prefer the Ntc postpaid number 98510 and is there a way they can still get it.
Ntc’s 98510 postpaid number is very popular and that may even be an understatement. In various Ntc forums, people are demanding these numbers. And quite stunning that some are even ready to pay over Rs 10000 for a number in this range. But the sad thing is that Ntc is very unlikely to start distributing this number again. Therefore, people may only have the option to use a second-hand number after purchasing it from an existing user. That is because the company has reached the legal limit for the unique numbers in this range. There are more reasons to it. So, keep reading.
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Sadly, NTC doesn’t sell 98510 numbers anymore
The unfortunate part about the 98510 numbers is that Ntc has stopped selling this number range. Because there is a legal reason for this. In Nepal, the telecom industry regulator Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) allows a company to only sell 10 million (1 crore) units of mobile numbers in one particular number range e.g., 98510. Ntc did launch this year back and obviously and has reached the numerical limit. After 98510, the company distributed 98511, and currently, it’s selling 98514 for GSM postpaid service. But the 98510 number range still remains popular among Ntc users.
Why do so many people prefer Ntc postpaid number 98510?
There’s no denying that Ntc postpaid SIMs are very popular. To be specific, 98510 has hundreds of thousands of active subscribers. It’s almost common to find Ntc postpaid users with a 98510 number range. Its popularity is attributable to the long-held perception and kind of reality that it’s used by financially more stable folks or elites and that it is more likely to be used by professionals, civil servants, businesspeople, officegoers, etc. It’s the same with the previously popular 9841/9842/9846 numbers.
It works as a social status signifier just as an iPhone or flagship phone would do to people. There’s a striking affinity with postpaid numbers in Nepal. Particularly as Ntc started postpaid service years ago with a different service fee model, it’s safe to hold that the people who were financially strong bought and used it. A postpaid SIM is less likely to be used by students, older people, and others who prefer a prepaid balance convenience. Remember the regular rental charges of Postpaid, which makes it different from Prepaid, that is free from any commitment. Read: Prepaid Vs Postpaid SIM: Which one to use?
So, using a 98510 SIM should bring an elevated feeling of belonging to that particular class of postpaid SIM users. Also, one can argue that the “510” digit is also catchy and easy to remember. I think Ntc also takes this aspect while numbering the first few digits on their SIM cards.
Also read: Mobile number ranges of Ntc, Ncell and all mobile operators in Nepal
Should Ntc recycle the 98510 number or can it?
Although Nepal Telecom doesn’t sell new 98510 SIM cards, it can still recycle the numbers in this range. Like many prepaid numbers, the 98510 range must have many unused or discarded contacts. Contact numbers in the 98510-range belonging to people who went abroad, those who gave up postpaid service for prepaid, or people who have passed away can be recycled for new users.
Given the popularity of the postpaid 98510 number, NT can bring these dead numbers into operation by distributing the unused numbers to new customers who are very passionate about it. Or at least, that is one of the very few ways people can claim the prestigious number for their contact. If the company does this, then users who are eager for the number won’t have to pay a fortune for the SIM in the second-hand market.
Previously, Ntc started to reissue/recycle the dead/purged/unused 98510 and other prepaid numbers but it came to a halt after a decision. The decision was taken by Supreme court ordering telcos to stop selling recycled numbers citing the violation of right to privacy. So, unless the court has a change of mind, the decision is there to stay.
What do you think is the reason for the awe to the 98510 number range and should Ntc resume selling dormant numbers in this range for other users, given favorable condition? Leave your opinion in our comment box below.
