Contents

Summary

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 The National Telephone Numbering Plan: Context and intentions

Chapter 3 The National Telephone Numbering Plan: Points of detail

Chapter 4 Consultation

Glossary

Annex A Draft National Telephone Numbering Plan

Annex B Draft lists of Telephone Numbers appended to the General Conditions of Entitlement

Summary

S1. A new framework for the regulation of electronic communications Directives, four of which the United Kingdom intends to implement through a new Communications Act.

S2. Within this framework will be a new regulatory framework for numbering. A key part of that framework will be the National Telephone Numbering Plan (the 'Plan'). The Plan will set out the numbers available for allocation by the Director General of Telecommunications (the 'Director') as Telephone Numbers, together with such restrictions on the adoption and other use of those numbers as the Director considers appropriate.

S3. This consultation document focuses on the Plan. To a great extent the Plan reproduces restrictions on numbering use already contained in the Numbering Conventions for the United Kingdom (Issue 5, 3 March 2003) (the 'Numbering Conventions') and the Numbering Code for the United Kingdom (Issue 1, 30 November 2001) (the 'Numbering Code'). Therefore, except where otherwise stated, Oftel is not consulting on the policy contained in the Plan, but rather on the format and clarity of the Plan as drafted.

S4. Oftel wishes to draw attention to the following key changes intended under the new regulatory framework for numbering:

• Those who adopt or otherwise use any number listed in the Plan shall not do so other than in accordance with the applicable designation given for that number.

• Telephone Numbers which Oftel makes available (ie, those which it will not specifically allocate to individuals) are not within the ambit of the Plan. These are therefore covered in General Condition of Entitlement 20 'Allocation and Adoption of Telephone Numbers', along with any relevant restrictions for their adoption.

• Many terms, for example 'Geographic Number'and 'Mobile Number', are now specifically defined in a discreet 'Definitions and Interpretation'section of the Plan.

• Oftel has introduced rules on Telex Numbering.

• Oftel intends to publish guidance on the new regulatory framework for numbering and numbering policy in time for the coming into force of the new regulatory framework.

• Oftel will not be regulating Internet domain names or addresses.

5. Following receipt and consideration of any comments on the Plan by 16 May 2003, Oftel will publish a statement setting out its final position on the Plan and the Plan will be published by 25 July 2003.

Chapter 1

Introduction

New regulatory framework

1.1 A new regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services will enter into force in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2003. The basis for the new regulatory framework is five new EU Communications Directives:

1.2 This new regulatory framework is designed to create harmonised regulation across Europe and aimed at reducing entry barriers and fostering effective competition to the benefit of consumers.

1.3 The Framework Directive provides the overall structure for this new regulatory framework and sets out fundamental rules and objectives which read across all the new directives. As its name suggests, it is the directive that establishes the new framework. Article 8 of the Framework Directive sets out three key policy objectives which have been taken into account in the preparation of this document. These are that national regulatory authorities shall:

1.4 The Authorisation Directive establishes a new system whereby any person will be generally authorised to provide communications services and/or networks without prior approval. The general authorisation replaces the existing licensing regime. The Universal Service Directive defines a basic set of services that must be provided to end-users. The Access and Interconnection Directive sets out the terms on which providers may access each others'networks and services with a view to providing publicly available electronic communications services.

1.5 These four Directives must be implemented in the UK in other EU Member States on 25 July 2003.

1.6 The Privacy Directive establishes users'rights with regard to the privacy of their communications. This Directive was adopted slightly later than the other four Directives and has an implementation date of 31 October 2003.

Implementation

1.7 In the UK, it is intended to implement the first four Directives (the 'Directives') through a new Communications Act. The Communications Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 19 November 2002 and is available at www.communicationsbill.gov.uk. The latest version of the Communications Bill is that which was introduced into the House of Lords on 5 March 2003, having completed its passage through the Commons on the preceding day. It can be found at that website (references to the Communications Bill in this document are references to that version of the Bill). The Bill may be subject to change as it passes through Parliament.

1.8 It is intended that the Communications Bill will receive royal assent by 25 July 2003. However, in the event that the Communications Bill does not receive royal assent by 25 July 2003, the government has acknowledged that implementation will need to occur by Statutory Instruments (the 'Statutory Instruments') made under the European Communities Act 1972 for an interim period until the Bill enters into force. A draft of the Statutory Instruments was issued for consultation on 17 March 2003 and this consultation document should be read in conjunction with that document. Further, if the Communications Bill does receive royal assent by 25 July 2003, it is expected that Ofcom will not be ready by the summer to assume all of its duties foreseen by the Communications Bill. Should that be the case, the Communications Bill makes specific provision to enable Ofcom’s functions to be carried out by the Director or the Secretary of State for a transitional period. For these reasons, this document refers to the Director rather than Ofcom.

From licensing to general authorisation

1.9 One key change of the new framework is that the telecommunications licensing regime will disappear from 25 July 2003 and providers of electronic communications networks and services will no longer be required to obtain a licence in advance of operating a system or providing services. The licensing regime will be replaced by a general authorisation to provide electronic communications networks or services.

1.10 Under the new framework, while a licence is not required, Communications Providers may be subject to a number of general conditions and, for some providers, specific conditions applicable only to an individual provider (eg, obligations flowing from a designation as a provider of universal service or a finding of significant market power).

1.11 Oftel is consulting separately in a series of other documents about specific conditions that apply to individual Communication Providers.

The new regulatory framework and numbering

1.12 In implementing the Directives, the Communications Bill provides for a new regulatory framework for numbering. For example, Article 10(1) of the Framework Directive provides that:

1.13 This has been implemented by Clause 53(1) of the Bill, which imposes a duty on the Director to publish the Plan. The Plan sets out the numbers which the Director has determined to be available for allocation by him as Telephone Numbers, together with such restrictions as the Director considers appropriate on the adoption of such numbers and such restrictions as he considers appropriate on the other uses to which such numbers may be put.

1.14 This consultation document focuses on the Plan. The Plan to a great extent reproduces restrictions on numbering use already contained in the Numbering Conventions for the United Kingdom (Issue 5, 3 March 2003) (the 'Numbering Conventions') and the Numbering Code for the United Kingdom (Issue 1, 30 November 2001) (the 'Numbering Code') (thereby making restrictions from the Numbering Code enforceable). Save where otherwise stated, therefore, Oftel is not consulting on the policy contained in the Plan, but rather on the format and clarity of the Plan as drafted. Specifically Oftel is interested in whether stakeholders find the Plan easy to read and if not how it could be improved.

1.15 Oftel also intends to publish guidance on the new numbering framework and numbering policy in time for the coming into force of the new regulatory framework. This will cover aspects of policy, for example numbering allocation policy, some of which was previously contained in the Numbering Conventions and the Numbering Code.

1.16 The National Numbering Scheme ('the Scheme') will also exist alongside the Plan. The Scheme amounts to a record of all numbers allocated, available for allocation or protected and is specifically allowed for by Clause 53(3) of the Communications Bill. The Scheme includes all those numbers currently in the United Kingdom’s Specified Numbering Scheme ('the SNS') with the addition of certain network and administrative codes that Oftel has been responsible for allocating for some time but which were outside the SNS.

1.17 Certain other numbering matters covered in the Numbering Conventions, such as the withdrawal of numbers, are now dealt with in the Communications Bill.

Chapter 2

The National Telephone Numbering Plan: Context and intentions

The new regulatory framework and the Plan

2.1 As set out above, in Chapter 1, the Plan contains the numbers available for allocation together with such restrictions on their adoption or other use as the Director considers appropriate. The Plan, except where stated, does not introduce any restrictions over and above those currently contained in the Numbering Conventions and the Numbering Code. The key distinguishing factor is that under the new framework the restrictions previously contained in the Numbering Code will be enforceable.

2.2 The Plan forms part of the new regulatory framework for numbering, and the remainder of that regime is set out in the Communications Bill and draft General Condition 20 'Allocation and Adoption of Telephone Numbers'(the 'Numbering Condition').

2.3 The Numbering Condition regulates the adoption of Telephone Numbers. It sets out the general prohibition on the adoption of numbers that have not been allocated by the Director. It also imposes a prohibition on the allocation of a Telephone Number to a Subscriber where that Telephone Number has either not been allocated to the Communications Provider by Oftel or has not been allocated (either directly or indirectly) to the Communications Provider by a person originally allocated that Telephone Number by Oftel.

2.4 Amongst other things, the Numbering Condition also includes rules concerning applications for telephone numbers (which were previously dealt with by the Numbering Conventions) and will impose restrictions on the adoption of certain numbers which are not available for allocation but which may be adopted by providers (see 'Numbers outside the Plan'below). Under the Numbering Condition a Communications Provider’s numbering plan must be consistent with the Plan. The Provider must also install, maintain and adjust its switched Electronic Communications Network so that it routes Signals and otherwise operates in accordance with the Plan. In addition, the Provider must take all reasonable steps to secure that its customers comply with the Plan. The Plan is therefore a key element in the new regulatory framework for numbering.

Changes to the Plan

2.5 Clause 53(2) of the Bill imposes a duty to review the Plan from time to time. The Bill further sets out, at Clause 57, a full set of consultation procedures for the Plan. Any Plan published under the Statutory Instruments can only be amended by further regulations.

2.6 Changes to the Scheme are of course made on a day to day basis and so are not subject to formal consultation.

2.7 A consultation on the future use of legacy Directory Enquiry numbers was issued on 10 March 2003 and sets out proposed changes to the Plan which may be incorporated into the final version depending on which option is eventually adopted following that consultation. Such other consultations on number policy that are undertaken before July 2003, and include draft changes to the Plan, will be factored into the final version of the Plan as published by 25 July 2003. At the present time it would appear likely that this would include a consultation on premium rate services (see below).

Numbers outside the Plan

2.9 As referred to above, the Numbering Condition sets out the general prohibition on the adoption of numbers which have not been allocated by the Director, and the allocation of a Telephone Number to a Subscriber where that Telephone Number has not been allocated to the Communications Provider by the Director, or has not been allocated (either directly or indirectly) to the Communications Provider by a person originally allocated that Telephone Number by the Director.

2.10 There are a large amount of Telephone Numbers, however – from access codes to internal signifiers – that Oftel makes available for adoption on all networks without specific allocation. Additionally, there are Telephone Numbers that Oftel has allocated in the past, that do not accord with the Plan, but which may continue to be used. Therefore Oftel has provided for an exception to the General Prohibition in the Numbering Condition for such numbers, and has appended lists of such numbers to Numbering Condition. For ease of reference a copy of the proposed Annex, setting out those exceptional numbers, is attached, as Annex B, to this consultation document.

2.11 Certain numbers are excluded from the regulatory framework for numbering altogether, and therefore are not covered by the Plan. The general definition of 'Telephone Number'contained within the Communications Bill at Clause 53(5) is as follows-:

2.12 The Communications Bill contains an order-making power for the Secretary of State to exclude such numbers as may be described in the order from the numbers that are to be treated as Telephone Numbers for the purposes of Chapter 1 of the Communications Bill (see Clause 53(7)). The Secretary of State intends to make such an order excluding Internet domain names, Internet addresses and addresses or identifiers incorporating either an Internet domain name or an Internet address, including email addresses, from treatment as Telephone Numbers. Accordingly, there are no references to Internet or Domain Names in the Plan. If the Communications Bill does not receive royal assent in time to come into force on 25 July 2003, this exclusion would initially be dealt with by the Statutory Instruments.

Further guidance

2.13 As referred to above, Oftel intends to publish guidance on the new numbering framework and numbering policy in time for the coming into force of the new framework. That guidance will set out Oftel’s policies, for example on allocation, conservation of numbers, use of annual audit etc. Oftel will be consulting on this guidance later in the year.

Chapter 3

The National Telephone Numbering Plan: Points of detail

Structure

3.1 As set out in the Introduction to the Plan and above, the Plan lists those numbers that have been determined as available for allocation as Telephone Numbers along with such restrictions on adoption and other uses of those numbers as are considered appropriate. This accords with Clause 53(1) of the Communications Bill. Oftel proposes to label the part of the Plan listing the numbers available and their designations as Part A, and to label the part of the Plan dealing with the restrictions as Part B.

Introduction to the Plan

3.2 This sets out what the Plan covers in accordance with the provisions of the Communications Bill. As explained above, the Plan replicates the restrictions currently contained in the Numbering Conventions and the Numbering Code (thereby making the restrictions in the Numbering Code enforceable). Other aspects of the Numbering Conventions and the Numbering Code, which are Oftel policy or guidance on the use of numbers, will be dealt with in Oftel’s guidance document on numbering policy.

Definitions and interpretation

3.3 In the Numbering Conventions and Numbering Code relevant definitions were scattered throughout the text document which made it difficult to read. In the interests of clarity therefore Oftel proposes to group together all the required definitions at the front of the Plan in a new 'Definitions and Interpretation'section. Oftel invites comments on whether this is helpful. Where words and phrases used in the Plan are defined in the Communications Bill, those definitions have not been reproduced in the new Interpretation section. The Plan should therefore be read in conjunction with the legislation.

3.4 Definitions have been changed where necessary because of new terminology in the new regulatory framework, and there is a new definition of Geographic Number.

3.5 Terms that no longer exist under this framework, for example 'Annex II Status', are of course no longer used. Additionally, the label 'Find-Me-Anywhere Services'has been removed as it served little purpose once the specific purposes of Personal Numbering, Mobile and Paging services have been clearly defined.

Part A

3.6 In accordance with Clause 53(1)(a) of the Bill, Part A of the Plan lists those numbers available for allocation for a designated service. Stakeholders should note that the exact record of numbers available, allocated or protected at any time remains the Scheme, which Oftel updates weekly and publishes on its web site.

3.7 Oftel has chosen to split Part A into four categories of Telephone Number:

A4: Administrative Codes.

3.8 Parts A1 and A2 are those types of Telephone Number that consumers can dial on either the switched or telex networks. Part A3 lists those types of Telephone Number that allow network or service providers to communicate with their own or each other’s networks. Part A4 lists administrative codes that are allocated by Oftel.

3.9 In table A.1 the reference to 'unless otherwise stated'in the table heading refers to the Scheme where certain numbers, eg Geographic and some Freephone, have less than the standard digit length.

Geographic numbers

3.10 In Part A of the Plan Oftel has designated 01 and 02 for Geographic Numbers. This then references Appendix A of the Plan, which lists all the National Destination Codes ('NDCs') (ie, 'Area Codes') and their applicable geographic areas.

3.11 By including these codes in the Plan in this way Oftel intends to make clear which numbers are valid geographic codes. Oftel would need to consult on changes to the Plan as referred to above.

3.12 Comments are particularly invited on the names of geographic code areas set out in Appendix A: whilst Oftel has made every effort to ensure their accuracy, Oftel notes that some of the names in this list differ from those in, for example, BT’s published Area Code list. If this is other than a presentational matter Oftel is happy to consider making changes. In particular, Oftel has reviewed the Area Codes and has avoided duplicating names across more than one area.

Corporate numbers

3.13 05 is designated for 'Corporate Numbers'in accordance with the current policy as set out in the Conventions. Oftel intends to issue a consultation document on corporate numbering shortly..

Premium rate numbers

3.14 090 is described as 'Premium Rate Services – Content Services'. Within that there remains specific detail, set out in the National Numbering Scheme (eg, that Pay for product above £1 in total should be placed behind 0907 numbers), that Oftel will continue to apply when allocating numbers. One exception is the reference to 0908 and 0909 being used for Sexual Entertainment Services. There are two issues here that will be taken into account in the final version of the Plan. Firstly, the addition of 0908 for Sexual Entertainment Services is currently subject to consultation. Secondly, Oftel anticipates an imminent consultation on a variety of Premium Rate Service-related issues (including the designation for 091 and the 'Broadband Services'designation) that may result in changes to the Plan prior to publication. The detail of this will be made clear in any forthcoming consultation.

CUPIDs

3.15 Oftel believes that under the new framework Licensed Operator Identification codes ('LOPIDs') will only be suitable for use by Communication Providers. Accordingly Oftel proposes to rename these as Communication Provider Identification codes (ie, 'CUPIDs').

Part B

3.16 In accordance with Clause 53(1)(b) of the Bill, Part B of the Plan sets out such restrictions as Oftel considers appropriate on the adoption of numbers available for allocation.

B1: General Restriction on all Telephone Numbers

3.17 This applies to all numbers allocated by Oftel and is worth setting out here:

3.18 This means that such persons cannot use, for instance, a Mobile Number to provide geographic or special rate services or a Geographic Number to provide a mobile service. This may have an effect for certain operators who have, in the past, used, for instance, Geographic Numbers for a Personal Numbering Service.

3.19 Respondents are requested to contact Oftel if they are using numbers in a way inconsistent with the Plan so that Oftel can consider whether it is would be appropriate to issue a consent under General Condition 20.3.

B2 General restrictions on numbers in Part A1

3.20 This section sets out a key restriction on the adoption of all Public Telephone Network Numbers.

3.21 The standard notation for United Kingdom numbers will be 'SABCDEFGHI'. The restriction is currently contained in the Conventions.

3.22 It should be noted that the reference to a standard number length in the current Conventions has been removed as unnecessary. This is because only numbers allocated can be adopted and, where relevant, specific lengths are set out in Part A of the Plan.

B3: Specific restrictions on telephone numbers

Telex numbering

3.23 Particular attention is drawn to the rules regarding telex numbering and to that part of Part A which lists the numbers available for use as Telex Numbers.

3.24 Telex-related rules had long been dropped from the Conventions but this could not remain outside of the Plan, as telex numbers are numbers allocated by Oftel. Oftel has compiled this section with the assistance of those operators who maintain Telex operations in the United Kingdom. Recipients are asked to comment on its accuracy and sufficiency. Particular attention is drawn to the fact that network codes have been set out in the Annex to the Numbering Condition that are available for the stated purposes on all Telex networks, as these are numbers which are not allocated.

Chapter 4

Consultation

4.1 Oftel is seeking the views of industry and others on the proposals outlined in this document. The closing date for submission of comments is 16 May 2003. Following receipt and consideration of any comments on the Plan, Oftel will publish a statement setting out its final position on the Plan and the Plan will be published by 25 July 2003.

4.2 Views are sought on both the form and clarity of the Plan and on such specific points as are raised in it. The consultation also covers certain definitions to be included in the Numbering Condition which are not contained in the Plan. Comments should be made in writing and sent to:

Sheira Hamilton
Conventions Consultation
Numbering Unit
OFTEL
50 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7JJ

Fax: 020 7634 8784

e-mail: sheira.hamilton@oftel.gov.uk

4.3 Paper copies of this document and more accessible formats such as large print, Braille, disc and audio cassette can be made available on request. Please contact Oftel’s Research and Information Unit by phoning 020 7634 8761 or by sending an e-mail.

Publication of representations made by stakeholders

4.4 In the interests of transparency, all representations will be published, except where respondents indicate that a response, or part of it, is confidential. Respondents are therefore asked to separate out any confidential material into a confidential annex which is clearly identified as containing confidential material. Oftel will take steps to protect the confidentiality of all such material from the moment that it is received at Oftel’s offices. However, in the interests of transparency, respondents should avoid applying confidential markings wherever possible.

4.5 Non confidential representations will be able to be viewed on Oftel’s website in the Publications section under Responses to Oftel consultations (see www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/responses/index.htm). They will also be able to be viewed at Oftel’s Research and Information Unit. Appointments must be made in advance by phoning 020 7634 8761 or sending an e-mail to infocent@oftel.gov.uk.

Cabinet office code of practice on written consultation

4.6 Oftel considers that this document meets the Cabinet Office code of practice on written consultation documents with one exception. The code states that the standard minimum period for consultation should be 12 weeks. However, Oftel has decided that an 8 week consultation period is appropriate in this case, due to the exceptional circumstances outlined above. The code is reproduced below for convenience. If you have any comments or complaints about this consultation process please contact:

Oftel Co-ordinator for the code of practice:

Rob Jex
Oftel
50 Ludgate Hill
London
EC4M 7JJ

e-mail: rob.jex@oftel.gov.uk

tel: 020 7634 5350
fax: 020 7634 8943

1. Timing of consultation should be built into the planning process for a policy (including legislation) or service from the start, so that it has the best prospect of improving the proposals concerned, and so that sufficient time is left for it at each stage.

2. It should be clear who is being consulted, about what questions, in what timescale and for what purpose.

3. A consultation document should be as simple and concise as possible. It should include a summary, in two main pages at most, of the main questions it seeks views on. It should make it as easy as possible for readers to respond, make contact or complain.

4. Documents should be made widely available, with the fullest use of electronic means (though not to the exclusion of others), and effectively drawn to the attention of all interested groups and individuals.

5. Sufficient time should be allowed for considered responses from all groups with an interest. Twelve weeks should be the standard minimum period for consultation.

6. Responses should be carefully and open-mindedly analysed, and the results made widely available, with an account of the views expressed, and reasons for decisions finally taken.

7. Departments should monitor and evaluate consultations, designating a consultation co-ordinator who will ensure that all the lessons are disseminated.

Glossary

(Terms used in this consultation document not covered in the Definitions and interpretation section of the National Telephone Numbering Plan).

The Access Directive

Directive 2002/19/EC on access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and associated facilities.

Directive 2002/20/EC on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services.

A Bill currently before Parliament that is intended to implement the EU Directives listed in this Glossary (save for the Privacy Directive) and therefore to bring about changes to the regulatory framework for electronic communications in the United Kingdom. The latest version of the Communications Bill is that which was introduced into the House of Lords on 5 March 2003, having completed its passage through the Commons on the preceding day. It is posted at www.communicationsbill.gov.uk (references to the Communications Bill in this document are references to 5 March version).

Directive 2002/21/EC on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services.

General Conditions of Entitlement

Conditions, including one that specifically covers the Allocation and Adoption of Telephone Numbers, to which Communications Providers may be subject. These are set out in full in the Secretary of State’s consultation document on the Networks and Services SI published on 17 March 2003.

The National Numbering Scheme (the Scheme) will be the list of all telephone numbers that are allocated, free, protected, reserved or not designated. It will remain as the contemporaneous detail of the framework set out in the Plan. The Scheme includes all those numbers currently in the United Kingdom’s Specified Numbering Scheme ('the SNS') with the addition of certain network and administrative codes that Oftel has been responsible for allocating for some while but which were outside the SNS.

Numbering Arrangements Condition

The condition contained in certain licences granted under section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 dealing with numbering arrangements in respect of numbers commonly known as 'public numbers'.

Numbering Code

A code of practice for codes and numbers controlled by Oftel but which are outside of the scope of the Numbering Arrangements Condition, contained in a licence granted to an operator under Section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984, and which therefore cannot be included in the Numbering Conventions for the United Kingdom.

Numbering Conventions

A set of rules and principles that currently govern the use and management of numbers and codes from the United Kingdom’s Specified Numbering Scheme. Oftel allocates, reserves, and withdraws numbers in accordance with the Conventions. Those to whom numbers and codes have been allocated are obliged to have Numbering Plans that accord with the Conventions under the so-called 'Numbering Arrangements Condition'contained in certain licences granted under Section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984.

The Privacy Directive

Directive 2002/58/EC concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector.

The Universal Service Directive

Directive 2002/22/EC on universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services.

Draft National Telephone Numbering Plan

Issued by the Director General of Telecommunications

[DATE]

Definitions and Interpretation

1. For the purpose of interpreting these conditions the following definitions shall apply:

'Access Code' means a short Non-Geographic Telephone Number, usually beginning with '1', that allows End-Users to access a wide range of services. There are three types of Access Code:

(i) Type A Access Codes are available for adoption by all providers of a Public Telephone Network and are adopted in such a way as to enable End-Users to access designated services across all Public Telephone Networks;

(ii) Type B Access Codes are allocated individually by the Director and are adopted in such a way as to either (i) enable End-Users to access services provided by their Communications Provider or (ii) enable End-users to access services provided by other Communications Providers (eg, Indirect Access and Directory Enquiry Facilities); and

(iii) Type C Access Codes are available for adoption for service provision within a communications provider’s own network.

The adoption of Type A and Type C Access Codes is restricted through the Numbering Condition;

'Act' means the Communications Act 2003;

'Administrative Code' means a Telephone Number that is adopted or otherwise used for administrative purposes only;

'Approved Apparatus' means, in relation to any network, apparatus which meets the appropriate essential requirements of regulation 4 of the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Regulations 2000, SI 2000 No.730;

'Area Code' means a Telephone Number identifying a particular geographic area;

'Broadband Services' mean those switched broadband services allowing a considerable amount of information to be conveyed (eg, television pictures);

'C7' refers to a standard for common channel signalling in Electronic Communications Networks (also known as 'SS7');

'Called Party' means the person being contacted by means of a telephone call;

'Caller' means the person making contact by means of a telephone call;

'Carrier Pre-Selection' means a facility which allows a Subscriber to whom a Publicly Available Telephone Service is provided by means of a Public Telephone Network to select which Pre-selected Provider of such Services provided wholly or partly by means of that Network is the Pre-Selected Provider he wishes to use to carry his calls by designating in advance the selection that is to apply on every occasion when there has been no selection of Provider by use of a Telephone Number;

'Carrier Pre-Selection Code' means a non-diallable four (4) digit Telephone Number commencing with the digit eight (8) (ie, 8XXX), that is adopted or otherwise used in connection with the provision of Carrier Pre-Selection;

'Content Service'– means a Premium Rate Service which carries a charge for the content of the call or other product or non-communication service delivered in the course of, or as a direct consequence of, the call. Such charges are in addition to, or form part of, the total charge for accessing the Electronic Communications Service which delivers the content, product or non-communication service;

'Data Network Identification Codes' means a four (4) digit Telephone Number that is followed by a (ten- (10) digit) number to form the End User’s address on X25 Data Networks;

'Director' means the Director General of Telecommunications as appointed under section 1 of the Telecommunications Act 1984;

'Directory' means a printed document, containing Directory Information, which is made available to members of the public;

'Directory Enquiry Facility' means Directory Information provided by means of a Public Telephone Network;

'Directory Information' means, in the case of a Directory, the name, address and Telephone Number of the Subscriber and, in the case of a Directory Enquiry Facility, may include the Telephone Number only of the Subscriber or information that the Telephone Number of the Subscriber may not be supplied;

'Dominant Provider' has the same meaning as in any SMP Condition in force concerning Carrier Pre-Selection that is imposed on a person by the Director under section 87 of the Act;

'Freephone Number' means a number that can be reached free of charge to the Caller;

'Functional Specification' means the document with that title referred to in General Condition 21 of the General Conditions of Entitlement (Number Portability);

'General Conditions of Entitlement' means those conditions set by the Director from time to time pursuant to section 42 of the Act;

'Geographic Number' means a Telephone Number, from a range of numbers in Part A of this document, where part of its digit structure contains geographic significance used for routing calls to the physical location of the Network Termination Point of the Subscriber to whom the Telephone Number has been allocated;

'Geographic Number Portability Code' means a number portability code used in conjunction with Geographic Numbers;

'Inbound Routing Code' means a Telephone Number adopted or otherwise used to identify services, carriers and end users;

'Indirect Access' means a facility which allows a Subscriber to whom a Publicly Available Telephone Service is provided by means of a Public Telephone Network to select which such Service provided wholly or partly by means of that Network is the service he wishes to use by the use of a Telephone Number on each separate occasion on which a selection is made;

'Indirect Access Provider' means a provider of Indirect Access services;

'International Mobile Station Identity' means a Telephone Number that is adopted or otherwise used to identify a terminal. These codes are allocated to identify terminals in accordance with International Telecommunication Union (ITU)-T Recommendation E.212;

'Integrated Services Digital Network' means a network based on the existing digital Public Telephone Network which provides digital links to customers and end to end digital connectivity between them;

'International Signalling Point Code' means a Signalling Point Code that constitutes an independent address for international purposes, in accordance with ITU-T Recommendation Q.708;

'Local Call'means a call made from one Geographic Number to another Geographic Number within a limited geographic area;

'Local Dialling'means the ability for a Caller to contact a Called Party within the same National Destination Code area by dialling only the Local Number;

'Local Rate'means an indication that the price for the call is equivalent to the rate for a Local Call as set by the relevant Originating Communications Provider, where such a rate exists;

'Mobile Network Code'means a Telephone Number that is part of the International Mobile Station Identity that is adopted or otherwise used to identify the mobile network;

'Mobile Number'means a Telephone Number, from a range of numbers in Part A of this document, that is adopted or used to identify Apparatus designed or adapted to be capable of being used while in motion;

'Mobile Number Portability Code'means a Number Portability Code that is adopted or otherwise used in conjunction with Mobile Numbers;

'Mobile Service'means a service consisting in the conveyance of Signals, by means of an electronic communications network, where every Signal that is conveyed thereby has been, or is to be, conveyed through the agency of wireless telegraphy to or from Apparatus designed or adapted to be capable of being used while in motion;

'National Destination Code'means a part of a Geographic Number containing geographic significance, the remainder of which can be used for local dialling, that is adopted or otherwise used for routing calls to the physical location of the Network Termination Point of the Subscriber to whom the Telephone Number has been allocated;

'National Rate'means an indication that the price for the call is equivalent to the rate for a geographic National Call set by the relevant Originating Communications Provider, where such a rate exists;

'National Signalling Point Code'means a Signalling Point Code that constitutes an independent address for national purposes, in accordance with ITU-T Recommendations Q.704 and Q.705;

'Network Code'means a Telephone Number that is adopted or otherwise used for network purposes only;

'Network Specific Signalling Point Codes'means a Signalling Point Code that identifies separate points within a network;

'Network Termination and Testing Apparatus'means an item of Apparatus comprised in an Electronic Communications Network installed in a fixed position on Served Premises which enables:

(i) Approved Apparatus to be readily connected to, and disconnected from, the Network;

(ii) The conveyance of Signals between such Approved Apparatus and the Network; and

(iii) The due functioning of the Network to be tested, the only other functions of which, if any, are:

'Network Termination Point'means the physical point at which a Subscriber is provided with access to a Public Electronic Communications Network and, where it concerns Electronic Communications Networks involving switching or routing, that physical point is identified by means of a specific network address, which may be linked to the Telephone Number or name of a Subscriber. Where a Network Termination Point is provided at a fixed position on Served Premises, it shall be within an item of Network Termination and Testing Apparatus;

'Non-content Service'means a Premium Rate Service where there is no product or service provided other than the Electronic Communication Service itself;

'Non-Geographic Number'means any Public Telephone Network Number other than a Geographic Number;

'Non-Geographic Number Portability Code'means a Telephone Number that is adopted or otherwise used for routing non-geographic ported calls in accordance with the Functional Specification;

'Non-Geographic Number Portability Transit Code'means a Telephone Number that is adopted or otherwise used for routing non-geographic ported calls in accordance with the Functional Specification;

'Number Portability'means a facility whereby Subscribers who so request can retain their Telephone Number on a Public Electronic Communications Network, independently of the person providing the service at the Network Termination Point of a Subscriber at a specific location in the case of Geographic Numbers or at any location in the case of Non-Geographic Numbers;

'Number Portability Code'means a Telephone Number that is adopted or otherwise used for routing ported calls in accordance with the Functional Specification. There are six types of Number Portability Code, which facilitate Number Portability for:

(i) Non-Geographic Numbers;

(ii) Personal Numbers;

(iii) Geographic Numbers;

(iv) Mobile Numbers;

(v) Non-Geographic Number transit; and

(vi) Personal Number transit;

'Numbering Condition'means General Condition 20 of the General Conditions of Entitlement;

'Originating Communications Provider' means the Communications Provider from whose Electronic Communications Network the call originates;

'Paging Service'means a service that relays Signals to paging equipment;

'Parallel Running'means a facility provided by a Communications Provider when any range of Telephone Numbers is in the process of being changed whereby, in order to assist users of the Public Telephone Network to adjust to such a change, a Caller may for a limited period of time dial a Telephone Number which has been superseded by another Telephone Number and still be connected to the Called Party;

'Personal Number'means a Telephone Number, from a range of numbers in Part A of this document, allocated by a Personal Numbering Service Provider, which allows a Subscriber to receive calls at almost any Telephone Number, including a Mobile Number;

'Personal Number Portability Code'means a Telephone Number that is adopted or otherwise used for routing Personal Number ported calls in accordance with the Functional Specification;

'Personal Number Portability Transit Code'means a Telephone Number that is adopted or otherwise used for routing Personal Number ported calls in accordance with the Functional Specification;.

'Personal Numbering Service Provider'means a provider of Personal Numbering Services;

'Pre-selected Provider'means a provider of a Public Telephone Network who has notified the Dominant Provider that it is able and willing to provide Carrier Pre-Selection to Subscribers to whom the Dominant Provider provides Publicly Available Telephone Services;

'Public Telephone Network'means an Electronic Communications Network which is used to provide Publicly Available Telephone Services; it supports the transfer between Network Termination Points of speech communications, and also other forms of voiceband communication, such as facsimile and data. For the purposes of this document the term 'Public Telephone Network'shall include Integrated Services Digital Networks;

'Public Telephone Network Numbers'means either a Geographic or a Non-Geographic Telephone Number that is adopted or otherwise used on Public Telephone Networks;

'Publicly Available Telephone Service'means a service available to the public for originating and receiving national and international telephone calls and access to Emergency Organisations through a Telephone Number or Numbers, and in addition may, where relevant, include one or more of the following services: the provision of operator assistance services, Directory Enquiry Facilities, Directories, provision of Public Pay Telephones, provision of service under special terms, provision of specific facilities for End-Users with disabilities or with special social needs and/or the provision of non-geographic services;

'Reseller Identification Code'means a three-character alphabetic Telephone Number (eg, 'AAB') that is adopted or otherwise used for administrative purposes to identify those who resell Carrier Pre-Selection;

'Served Premises'means a single set of premises in single occupation where Apparatus has been installed for the purpose of the provision of Electronic Communications Services by means of a Public Telephone Network;

'Sexual Entertainment Service'means an entertainment service of a clearly sexual nature, or any service for which the associated promotional material is of a clearly sexual nature, or indicates directly, or implies, that the service is of a sexual nature;

(i) International Signalling Point Codes ;

(ii) National Signalling Point Codes ; and

(iii) Network Specific Signalling Point Codes .

A Signalling Point Code identifies the originating or terminating node of each C7 message. A node may have more than one Signalling Point Code allocated to enable the node to be partitioned into logically separate entities to identify various functions;

'Subscriber'means any person who is party to a contract with a provider of Public Electronic Communications Services for the supply of such Services in the United Kingdom;

'Subscriber Number'means the Telephone Number allocated to a Subscriber;

'Targeted Transit Code'means the Telephone Number that is adopted or otherwise used to route calls relating to particular Electronic Communications Services between two points of Interconnection on a network;

'Telex Service'means a real-time switched service for the delivery of text via a direct or indirect connection to a discreet Telex network;

'Telex Service Number'means a Telephone Number that adopted or otherwise used in connection with Telex Services; and

'Terminating Communications Provider'means the Communications Provider on whose Electronic Communications Network a call terminates;

'X.25 Data Network'refers to a network that supports the X.25 low speed packet switched data service.

2. Except in so far as the context otherwise requires, words or expressions shall have the meaning assigned to them and otherwise any word or expression shall have the same meaning as in the Act.

3. The Interpretation Act shall apply as if this document were an Act of Parliament.

Introduction

1 This document, the National Telephone Numbering Plan ('the Plan'), is divided into Part A and Part B.

2 Part A of the Plan sets out the numbers that the Director has designated are available for allocation as Telephone Numbers in accordance with Section 53(1)(a) of the Communications Act 2003.

3 Part B of the Plan sets out such restrictions as that the Director considers appropriate on the adoption and other uses of those numbers in accordance with Section 53(1)(b) of the Communications Act 2003.

Part A: Telephone Numbers Available for Allocation

  Part B: Restrictions for the adoption of telephone numbers

B1 Those to whom the Director has allocated any telephone number listed in Part A of the Plan shall not adopt or otherwise use them, except in accordance with the applicable designation given for that number range.

B2: General restrictions on numbers in Part A1

Notation of the National Significant Number

B2.1 The standard National Significant Number ('NSN') shall only be notated as follows: 'SABCDEFGHI'. 'S'equates to the first digit after the '0'(for example S is 1 or 2 for Geographic Numbers).

B3: Specific restrictions on telephone numbers

B3.1 Geographic numbers

National Destination Codes

Local dialling

B3.1.2 Geographic Numbers shall not be adopted or otherwise used other than where Callers from Geographic Numbers in the same geographic area as the Called Party are able to use only the Subscriber Number (except where those numbers are National-Dialling-Only Numbers – see B3.1.4 below).

Numbering reorganisations

B3.1.3 So as to ease the process of migrating to new Geographic Numbers during numbering reorganisations, new Geographic Numbers shall not be adopted or otherwise used other than where the person to whom the number is allocated has ensured that there is:

c) a changed number announcement after the completion of the change for a period specified by the Director.

'National-Dialling-Only'Numbers

B3.1.4 Geographic Numbers shown as 'Free for National-Dialling-Only'in the National Numbering Scheme shall not be adopted or otherwise used in circumstances where they have public visibility. Where these numbers are adopted or used for outgoing services a presentation number that is either non-geographic or which permits Local Dialling shall appear for caller-line identification purposes. In the event of a code change to eight-digit numbering in a geographic area, those who have adopted or used 'National-Dialling-Only'numbers shall migrate to the appropriate new range by the end of Parallel Running.

B3.2 Personal Numbers

B3.2.1 Numbers in the 070 range shall not be adopted or otherwise used for Premium Rate Services and those adopting Personal Numbers shall not share with any End-user any revenue obtained from providing a Personal Numbering Service.

B3.3 Telex Service Numbers

B3.3.1 Telex Service Numbers shall not be adopted or otherwise used other than as full national numbers, ie, including the Area Code and, where relevant, an adoptees'identifying digit.

B3.4 Number Portability Codes

B3.4.1 In addition to the general restriction at B1, Number Portability Codes shall not be adopted or otherwise used except in accordance with the applicable designation given for that number range and the Functional Specification.

Appendix A: Geographic Numbering - National Destination Codes and applicable Geographic Area

Appendix B: Telex Service Numbers – initial digits of Subscriber Number and applicable designation

  Annex B: Annex to Condition 20

In this Annex, any word or expression shall have the same meaning as it has in the National Telephone Numbering Plan. Additionally,

a. '1471 Erasure'means a facility that enables the record of the last call received (where accessible through dialling 1471) to be removed so as to no longer be available on dialling 1471;

b. 'Automatic Call Trace'means a facility that can, where practicable, trace the origin of an incoming call;

c. 'Call Return'means a facility, based on the accessibility of Calling Line Identification, which enables identification of the number from which a call is being made or to which a return call could be made;

d. 'Calling Line Identification'('CLI')means a facility that enables identification of the number from which a call is being made or to which a return call could be made;

e. 'Default Reseller Identification Codes'means the Reseller Identification Code ('RID') 'AAA'which can be used on any network where no individual RID is selected;

f. 'Internal Network Portability Code'means a Telephone Number which is adopted or otherwise used to ensure that Number Portability is effective within a Network;

g. 'Internal Routing Code'means a Telephone Number which is adopted or otherwise used solely for routing purposes within a Communications Provider’s Network;

h. 'Per Call Release of CLI'means the ability to release the identity of the Caller in accordance with normal Calling Line Identification;

i. 'Withhold CLI'means an ability to not supply the identity of the Caller in accordance with normal Calling Line Identification.