Consulting Services

Numbering

Ever since the introduction of telephony services, numbers have played a crucial role in making calls. As well as fulfilling the key functions of facilitating the correct routing of calls and levying of call charges, the role of telephone numbers has been extended in many countries to include aspects such as value-added services, where a particular number or number format becomes an effective part of the branding of the service, and consumer protection through the regulatory adoption of distinct numbering ranges for differently-priced types of calls, e.g. geographic, mobile, premium etc.

The introduction of competitive telecommunications operators and suppliers within countries further increased the importance of numbering resources as a regulatory instrument. This has had the effect of creating a de facto Numbering Paradigm where:

network operators require numbers to implement services
whoever controls the numbers - controls competition
- no numbers = no service
- no service = no competition

Indeed, experience internationally suggests that increasing competition leads to more rapid innovation of telecommunications products and services, which in turn places further demands on the numbering resource, and demands its fair and efficient functioning.

InterConnect Communications can provide expert assistance in reviewing or developing an existing numbering regime or assist in the design and implementation of new regimes. Our team of specialists can assist with a wide range of requirements, including:

The preparation of numbering policy documents;
Analysing the current status of the numbering framework;
Establishing guidelines and instructions for managing the National Numbering Plan (NNP), and defining principles for number plan development;
Reviewing the impact of new technological developments i.e. Next-Generation Networks (NGN) and Internet Telephony (VoIP);
Reviewing the impact of introduction of Number Portability on numbering;
Establishing approaches to setting and calculating numbering fees and charges;
Understanding the relationship between interconnection and numbering schemes;
Establishing and maintaining Numbering Databases.

Key Service Areas:

Numbering

More Information?

For more information about InterConnect's Numbering services, please contact Les Oliver by phone on +44 (0) 1291 638400.