FCC Grants Interconnected VoIPs Direct Access to Numbering

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FCC Grants Interconnected VoIPs Direct Access to Numbering
June 24, 2015
Last week, the FCC adopted rules granting interconnected VoIP (iVoIP) providers direct access to […]

Last week, the FCC adopted rules granting interconnected VoIP (iVoIP) providers direct access to numbering, removing the requirement of a numbering partner. All telecom companies must prepare for iVoIPs operating in their service territories as new providers and as number porting partners.

The Report & Order details the requirements iVoIP providers must meet in order to directly obtain numbering resources and to port directly with wireline and wireless carriers. The requirements include:

  • FCC authorization
  • Compliance with existing numbering rules and guidelines
  • 30-days’ notice to the applicable state commissions prior to requesting numbering resources
  • Proof of facilities readiness
  • Certifications of continued compliance with USF, TRS and 911 obligations

The Order also directs the North American Numbering Council (NANC) to examine the specific considerations of iVoIP LNP and report to the FCC within six months. This will likely be an action item for the LNPA Working Group, which JSI sits on as a representative for the rural LECs.

The new rules will be effective 30 days after posting in the Federal Register. The FCC said there was no need for a phased-in transition as the industry has had ample opportunity to prepare, plus the Commission’s authorization process will add additional time.

This Order introduces a third transition into an industry which is already operating under the duress of an unbalanced IP transition and the NPAC transition. The newly announced numbering transition, coupled with the existing two, will have a dramatic impact on the telecom industry as it relates to number allocation, interconnection, routing and porting. Clients interested in following all of the news about these three transitions should consider subscribing to JSI’s LNP Essentials bundle. The package includes a monthly newsletter, The LNP Standard, as well as other resources designed to keep companies informed about these important subjects.

If you have any questions about these iVoIP rules, the numbering transition, the LNP Essentials bundle, or anything numbering/porting related, please contact Bridget Alexander in JSI’s Maryland office at 301-459-7590.

Source: Source email