The country's communications infrastructure has been undergoing key technology changes, a major one being from networks based on time-division multiplexed (TDM) circuit-switched voice services to all Internet Protocol (IP) multi-media networks. We have already seen that these transitions have brought about innovative and improved communications services to the marketplace. Consumers have been quick to embrace these new technologies.
A few years ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC (News - Alert)) proposed a way to promote innovation and efficiency by allowing interconnected VoIP providers the ability to obtain telephone numbers directly from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) and the Pooling Administrator (PA). On June 22, 2015, the FCC released the Direct Access (News - Alert) Report and Order.
Following up on this, the Wireline Competition Bureau of the FCC issued a Public Notice on February 4, 2016, announcing that beginning February 18, the Bureau will accept applications from interconnected Voice over IP (VoIP) providers.
While there is no defined format to adhere to, nor form to fill out, the FCC has come up with the following requirements:
- The applicant’s contact information for personnel qualified to address issues relating to regulatory requirements, compliance with Commission rules, 911, and law enforcement;
- An acknowledgment that the numbering authority granted is subject to compliance with applicable Commission numbering rules, numbering authority delegated to the states, and, industry guidelines and practices regarding numbering as applicable to telecommunications carriers;
- An acknowledgement that the applicant must file requests for numbers with the relevant state commission(s) at least thirty (30) days before requesting numbers from the Numbering Administrators;
- Proof that applicant will be capable of providing service within sixty (60) days of the numbering resources activation date;
- Certification that the applicant complies with Universal Service Fund contribution obligations, Telecommunications Relay Service contribution obligations, its North American Numbering Plan and Local Number Portability Administration contribution obligations, and obligations to pay regulatory fees;
- Certification that the applicant possesses the financial, managerial, and technical expertise to provide reliable service.
According to the FCC, the ultimate goal for these changes is to “facilitate innovative technologies and services that will benefit both consumers and providers, and further the Commission’s recognized pro-consumer, pro-competition and public safety goals.”
VoIP does more than simply increase savings by lowering costs. It also enables the user to integrate software programs providing a lot of flexibility, as well as mobility. Before February 18, interconnected VoIP providers had to go through an intermediary in order to obtain new numbers, with this change by the FCC, providers will be able to operate more efficiently, which in turn means that consumers can be set up more quickly.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson