Today: NANPA Begins Assignment of 521 NPA Codes, FCC To Consider Changes To HAC Reporting, FCC Considers Changes To Toll Free Number Assignment, FCC Finds Effective Competition In Mobile Markets, FCC To Examine 911 Calling From Enterprise Communications Systems
NANPA Begins Assignment of 521 NPA Codes
In March 2017, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) announced the projected exhaust of the currently-assigned 5XX NPAs and designated the 521 area code as the next NPA to be used for 5XX-NXX assignments. NANPA Planning Letter 511 notes that as of September 12, 2017, the supply of 500, 522, 533, 544, 566, 577, and 588 NXXs was exhausted. As such, NANPA has initiated the assignment of 521 NXX codes.
5XX-NXX codes are used for applications which are non-geographic in nature, are not assigned to rate centers, and may or may not traverse the Public Switched Telephone Network. They are used to communicate with both fixed and mobile devices. They may also be used for applications enabling machines, which would include but not be limited to wireless devices and appliances, with the ability to share information with back-office control and data base systems and the people that use them.
FCC To Consider Changes To HAC Reporting
The FCC voted to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would exempt non-nationwide wireless service providers from the obligation to file annual wireless hearing aid compatibility (HAC) reports. The Notice also asks about the feasibility of reliance on informal complaints and other required sources of information to ensure industry compliance and seeks details on the costs and benefits of the proposed reporting exemption, as well as additional ways to streamline or simplify these requirements for service providers generally. It also invites comments on alternative standards for an exemption. TMI Briefing Service subscribers, watch for a TMI Briefing when the final text is released.
FCC Considers Changes To Toll Free Number Assignment
The FCC voted to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would modernize the way it distributes toll free numbers. Among other things, the FCC is proposing to (1) use a competitive auction to assign 833 toll free numbers in which multiple entities expressed interest and (2) create a secondary market for toll free numbers by allowing them to be reassigned for a fee. Revenues from the auction would be used to defray the costs of toll free numbering administration. TMI Briefing Service subscribers, watch for a TMI Briefing when the final text is released.
FCC Finds Effective Competition In Mobile Markets
The FCC voted to issue its 20th Annual Mobile Wireless Competition Report, finding, for the first time since 2009, that there is effective competition in the marketplace for mobile wireless services. The Report presents a variety of data from 2016 and certain information from early 2017 and an analysis of those data based on various generally accepted metrics of competition. Among other things, it notes that, consumer demand and output continue to increase, average prices have been falling, and service providers have enhanced the performance, coverage, and capacity of their networks. The Report concludes that competition continues to play an essential role in the mobile wireless marketplace, driving innovation and investment to the benefit of the American people and economy. The Report was adopted on a 3-2 vote over the vigorous dissent of Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel. More Information.
FCC To Examine 911 Calling From Enterprise Communications Systems
The FCC voted to issue a Notice of Inquiry examining the 911 calling capabilities of enterprise communications systems which serve office buildings, hotels, and college campuses. The FCC seeks input on topics including the current state of the enterprise communications systems marketplace; the public’s expectations when calling 911 from these systems; the capabilities, limitations, and costs of provisioning 911 on these systems; and related developments, such as the extent of state legislation and industry standards in this area. The FCC also invites comment on potential ways to ensure that 911 calling from these systems keeps pace with technological developments and public expectations, including through voluntary best practices or through the development of voluntary technical or operational standards. The FCC also asks if it should continue to refrain from adopting 911 rules for enterprise communications systems or whether updating or streamlining existing rules to better support 911 capabilities for these systems is warranted. More information.
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The Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Briefing.
