August 2002

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Contents:

1. Wide Area Codes
2. 118XXX Codes for Directory Enquiry (DQ) Services
3. Premium Rate Services
4. Annual Numbering Audit 2001
5. New Freephone Ranges
6. Future Numbering Arrangements
7. Allocation Certificate copies
8. 2003 will be the year of ONUS
9. Bedford
   

1. Wide Area Codes

Over the last year or so, geographic number blocks all over the country have been designated or protected in the Specified Number Scheme for the purposes of the new geographic Wide Area Code scheme. These number blocks constitute possible migration paths as well as blocks protected to reduce misdialling.

Oftel's current intention is that geographic areas should only move to Wide Area Codes as and when they are exhausting of local numbers, with at least two years notice given of any change. A full consultation on the options for Wide Area Codes will be carried out at the time that the next geographic area, or areas, are given notice of a change, which is not anticipated in the near future.

2. 118XXX Codes for Directory Enquiry (DQ) Services

The Lottery for the initial allocation of codes for DQ services was held on 22 May 2002.

A lot of hard work by the Numbering Unit's allocations team and other Oftel staff in the run-up to the Lottery ensured that the day went without a hitch, and that all codes were allocated on a fair and equitable basis.

By the end of the Lottery day, over 300 codes had been allocated to nearly 40 telecoms operators for various directory enquiries services, provided by around 90 different companies (including the telecoms operators).

All the allocated DQ codes have been published on Oftel's Numbering web pages, together with the service offered behind the codes, and the name of the service provider (see Access Codes list).

Eligible Operators wishing to apply for new or additional DQ codes should apply on the S10 Application Form via the Numbering Application page.

All applications will be treated as business as usual - on first come first served basis.

3. Premium Rate Services - Review of Numbering Arrangements

Oftel is currently reviewing Premium Rate Services ("PRS") numbering arrangements, and will be consulting with key stakeholders in the Autumn.

The need to review current arrangements arose from consultation on the revised Numbering Conventions, during 2001, when it became apparent from responses received that there was a lack of clarity relating to current PRS numbering arrangements. The issues involved were not straightforward, and Oftel concluded that further consideration in this area was warranted. Moreover, Oftel also wishes to give further thought to PRS numbering resources, particularly given the likelihood of increasing pressure in the light of potential new services (such as Higher Rate PRS).

Oftel has already commissioned consumer research, looking at the degree to which consumers derive significant meaning from the current PRS numbering structure and associated sub-structure. The research also looked at the degree to which consumers would benefit most from tariff or content meaning. The results of this will shortly be made available on the Oftel website.

4. Annual Numbering Audit 2001

Oftel has received approximately 80% of Audit Returns. Oftel has yet to receive a 2001 Annual Audit Return from the following Operators:

Centcom Ltd
Corex Networks Limited
Fusion Telecommunications LTD
Global Electoteks LTD
Iomart LTD
Mynet LTD
Net.net LTD
Nexus Telecommunications LTD
North America Gateway LTD
Northvoice Communications UK LTD
OnCue Telecom LTD
Patoy LTD
Powernet Telecom LTD

An analysis and report was done on the data which operators have supplied to us. This was presented in slides at the latest Numbering Forum.

Operators are reminded that their licence requires them to furnish information to the Director. Non-return of Audit information may be a breach of the licence. In the absence of Audit Returns Oftel may not make further allocations.

5. New Freephone Ranges

Operators are advised that Oftel has opened up the 08082 XX range for Freephone use, as ranges beginning 08081 are nearing exhaustion.

The available ranges within 08082 XX are shown on Oftel web site. Operators should apply in the normal way on application form S8.

6. Future Numbering Arrangements

Detail is set out in the presentation to Numbering Forum on 1 July. Click here for slide presentation.

Changes from the Communications Bill and new General Conditions of Entitlement (ie, implementation of various EU Directives) will effect the allocation and management of numbers. Oftel is working to clarify and where possible re-implement the existing policy within the new regime. The first task therefore will be to create the National Telephone Numbering Plan, successor to the "Numbering Conventions", the "Numbering Code" and include the Specified Numbering Scheme. Detail of what the Plan can or cannot include is covered in the presentation. Further issues, such as direct allocation to end-users and charging, will be subject to further discussion and consultation.

7. Allocation Certificate copies

Oftel continues to receive requests from operators for copies of allocation certificates for number ranges that have been allocated for some time. Oftel is aware that allocation certificates are generally required as part of a DMA request - to set up numbers ranges in other operator's networks - and also for operators own records.

However, operators are reminded that number ranges allocated at least 6 months ago should have been brought into service or relinquished back to Oftel, so copies of certificates should therefore not be required for DMA purposes.

Operators requiring copies of certificates to update their records, or for other purposes, are reminded to keep allocation certificates in a safe place for future reference. As stated above, allocation certificates are only generally relevant at the time they are issued as they may also show number ranges that have subsequently been withdrawn by Oftel and this can lead to confusion.

Oftel has created specific lists of S1-S9 ranges and Access Codes that show transactions i.e. number ranges allocated, reserved and withdrawn, over a rolling twelve month period.

Operators should refer to those lists, and the Specified Numbering Scheme page on Oftel's web site, for up-to-date information on allocations, withdrawals, etc, when datafilling for other operators, and deciding which ranges should be removed from their systems, and not rely on old Certificates.

8. 2003 will be the year of ONUS

Oftel is back on course with plans to have a new Numbering Database in place for summer 2003. It is expected that this will speed up transaction processing, enable on-line applications for numbering, and improve the timeliness and presentation of information available via the Oftel website. We are calling the whole thing "ONUS" (ie, Oftel/ OFCOM Numbering Unit System).

Last year's plans for development got caught up with the strategic planning for OFCOM, but at last we have secured a green light.

As some numbering contacts may recall, Oftel started discussions with external users last summer (see Numbering Unit Database & Transaction System page). We are now working to refresh our user requirements and, as we fully intend to develop some form of on-line applications process, invitations have been issued to user representatives for a workshop at Oftel on Tuesday 20 August (1.30pm for a 2pm start). Anyone who has not received an invite but who is interested in attending this workshop should contact Sheira Hamilton.

Those who cannot attend - and we realise it's short notice and the holiday season - are asked to keep an eye on the Oftel web site. There will be further invitations to workshops as the project develops and the user requirement turns into a designer specification, which turns into a testable systems and finally into ONUS.

9. Bedford

The 10,000 number block 56 in the geographic area of Bedford (01234) has been unavailable for allocation to operators since phONEday in 1995, following suggestions at the then Numbering Advisory Group, that the number (01234) 567890 was sufficiently golden that it ought to be retained for special use. One idea was that it might be used for the helpline for the next code and number change. In the event it was not so used. Oftel has now decided that it should be made available for allocation in the normal way - to an operator seeking to offer services in Bedford, having appropriately utilised any existing allocations in that area.

In a one-off departure from the normal system of allocation, if any operator believes that they meet the criteria for an allocation of numbers in Bedford and wish to be allocated this block, they should complete an application and forward it to the Numbering Allocations Team by 6 September, 2002. If more than one operator is deemed to qualify for the allocation, a name will be drawn at random. If no operators seek this block at this time, or all those that do, fail to meet the allocation criteria, it will become available for allocation on a first come first served basis in the normal way.