A Consultation Document issued by the Director General of Telecommunications on

February 2001

Summary

Chapter 1   Introduction

Chapter 2   The proposed changes

Chapter 3. Consultation

Annex::  Draft National Numbering Conventions

Glossary

1 This consultation document sets out a number of revisions that OFTEL proposes to make to the second issue of the United Kingdom’s National Numbering Conventions, last published in April 1997.

2 The Numbering Conventions are a set of rules and principles that cover the use and management of numbers from the United Kingdom’s Specified Numbering Scheme. OFTEL allocates, reserves and withdraws numbers in accordance with the Conventions. Those to whom allocations have been made are obliged to have Numbering Plans that accord with the Conventions.

3 Following a review of the Numbering Conventions, OFTEL has concluded that it is time for various revisions to be made. The Draft Conventions, attached as the Annex to this document, have been completely revised. OFTEL’s most important proposals are:

• Insertion of a new guiding principle that OFTEL will allocate numbers on a ‘first come first served’ basis. This has always been the case, but has not previously been stated.

• Clarification that firstly, only those operators who are running a system licensed under the Telecommunications Act 1984 are eligible for number allocations, but secondly, this includes those running systems under a Class Licence.

• Revision of Status Indicators that appear on the SNS List.

• Insertion of a new provision that OFTEL may allocate blocks of 1,000 numbers at a time in Conservation Areas.

• Clarification of the position on opening new 100,000 geographic ranges, and how the status of such unopened ranges should be shown on the Specified Numbering Scheme.

• Clarification that the 07 range should be used for all mobile, paging and personal numbering services, but for no other services (eg, premium rate services).

4 Following receipt and consideration of comments or objections, OFTEL proposes to publish a new third issue of the Numbering Conventions later this year.

1.1 The National Numbering Conventions (the ‘Conventions’) are a set of rules and principles, published from time to time by the Director General of Telecommunications (the ‘Director’) following consultation with relevant licensees and other interested parties. The Conventions relate to the use and management of numbers from the Specified Numbering Scheme (the ‘Scheme’) within the United Kingdom. The Scheme itself is a record of the United Kingdom’s national numbering resource and the design, adoption and management of the Scheme affects the national interest. OFTEL allocates, reserves and withdraws numbers from the Scheme in accordance with the Conventions.

1.2 To be eligible to apply for an allocation of numbers, operators must be licensed under the Telecommunications Act 1984. In the past, this has meant that only those licensed individually could be granted numbers, but OFTEL is extending this to include those operators whose services are covered by a class licence, such as the Telecommunications Services Class Licence (‘TSL’), and the International Simple Voice Resale (‘ISVR’) Class Licence. This is now formally reflected in the proposed new Conventions.

1.3 Operators are required by a condition in their Telecommunications Act licence to adopt a Numbering Plan for numbers allocated by the Director to them that is consistent with the Conventions.

1.4 OFTEL has concluded that it is now appropriate to reflect various accumulated changes of practice and ideas in a new issue of the Conventions.

1.5 Since April 1997, when the second issue of the Conventions was published, there have been a number of developments that have led OFTEL to want to revise some of the Conventions. In addition, OFTEL has taken this opportunity to review the whole text of the Conventions in an attempt to avoid duplications or any lack of transparency. The substantive changes are explained at length in Chapter 2.

1.6 OFTEL is aware that it is desirable for the Conventions to be updated more frequently than has been the case. Accordingly, in the future, OFTEL intends to consult on any necessary textual amendments to the Conventions, when it consults on policy changes that would affect them (probably as an Annex to the relevant policy consultation document).

1.7 OFTEL would then periodically incorporate pre-agreed textual changes into a new issue of the Conventions without the need for a further consultation. Any new issue of the Conventions would be published and brought to the attention of all relevant parties in the usual way.

The Proposed Changes

2.1 In preparing these Draft Conventions, OFTEL has attempted to both revise the language of the second issue of the Conventions and, where appropriate, the substantive content. Minor amendments, that simply clarify the Conventions by removing, adding or amending text, are too numerous to detail.

2.2 Substantive changes are set out in this Chapter. In each case, a numbered reference corresponding to the relevant Convention is given to identify the appropriate Convention and the full text of the proposed new issue of the Conventions is annexed to this Consultation Document.

2.3 The most obvious change that OFTEL proposes is to rationalise the structure of the Conventions. This is intended to make them more easily understandable, in spite of the fact that in instances they are now more technically complex.

2.4 In addition to regrouping topics within the Conventions, it is proposed that what was Part A of the second issue of the Conventions, which set out the ground rules for allocating, reserving or withdrawing numbers and codes, should now be set out in Conventions 1 to 7. It is further proposed that what were previously Parts B to D of the Conventions, dealing with the detail of numbers and codes for the public switched telephone network (‘PSTN’) and data networks, should be Conventions set out in Annexes A to C.

2.5 This structure is presentational in nature only, and is therefore not aimed to categorise some Conventions from others in terms of importance. There is no internal hierarchy between any Conventions, but instead they all carry the same weight, wherever applicable. This proposed restructuring is outlined at Convention 1.7.

2.6.1 In addition to setting out what the Conventions are, OFTEL proposes to add a clarifying paragraph to the Introduction that sets out the status of the Conventions, and how the Numbering Arrangement Condition, that specifies that an operator shall have a Numbering Plan that accords with the Conventions, would be enforced. In addition, it is proposed to state at this point that the Conventions will be revised from time to time and that this issue takes into account various factors listed in the Introduction. These measures are all designed to assist applicants and operators by explaining clearly the context within which numbers and codes are allocated, reserved, withdrawn and otherwise regulated.

2.6.2 This Convention sets out certain rights and responsibilities of operators and OFTEL in relation to numbering policy.

2.6.3 Convention 1 has been substantially redrafted to give a clearer introduction to what

OFTEL’s guiding principles will be when allocating, reserving or withdrawing numbers or codes, and also to state clearly and simply what operator’s responsibilities are.

2.6.4 These guiding principles are not new but were previously in Convention A1. One new guiding principle has been introduced, Convention 1.1(e), to formalise the previously unstated practice of allocating numbers on a ‘first come first served’ basis. OFTEL believes this to be a sensible practice, and it is appropriate that this should now be an explicit part of the Conventions.

2.6.5 Proposed Conventions 1.3 to 1.6 now deal with how any future changes to both the Scheme and the Conventions may be made (previously this was set out at Conventions A1.7 and A14). OFTEL believes that this is a more appropriate structure for these principles. Convention 1.5 sets out that a normal consultation period for any change to the Conventions or the Scheme would normally be three months.

2.6.6 Finally, at Convention 1.7, there is an outline of the proposed structure of the draft Conventions discussed in paragraphs 2.3 to 2.5, above.

2.6.7 In addition to the substantive changes set out below, OFTEL proposes to combine the previous Conventions A2 and A3 into the new Convention 2. This new Convention will cover both the criteria and procedure for making numbering applications.

2.6.8 The first significant change proposed would clarify the category of operator eligible for a number allocation. OFTEL proposes to re-define those eligible as operators running a system that is licensed under the Telecommunications Act 1984 rather than, as at present, just those licensed under that Act. This would have the effect of excluding those who do not run their own system. Unless operators are running under a licence, none of the enforcement provisions under Section 16 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 can be applied. Moreover, it is not an efficient use of numbering capacity for OFTEL to supply numbers directly to systemless service providers who can, and often do, obtain numbering capacity from other, eligible parties.

2.6.9 The only exception to this is Convention 2.2, where it is proposed that in demonstrably exceptional circumstances, such as where an operator is in the process of setting up a system, OFTEL would consider making a number or code allocation to a systemless service provider.

2.6.10 The second substantive change proposed is to extend eligibility for number allocations to those companies operating a telecommunications system under a class licence containing the Numbering Arrangements Condition (eg, those operating under the Telecommunication Services Class Licence (‘TSL’) and the International Simple Voice Resale (‘ISVR’) Class Licence). The 1997 text of Convention A2.1 states that numbers may only be allocated directly to individual licensees and, as OFTEL already in practice allocates numbers to class licensed operators, it is appropriate to amend this Convention. In addition, this change is necessary to meet the objectivity requirements of the EU Licensing Directive.

2.6.11 At Convention 2.3, OFTEL proposes to add further requirements for applicants to provide OFTEL with the following information, when they submit applications for numbering capacity:

• Draft Convention 2.3(b) proposes that a letter of authorisation from the applicant would be necessary where an application is made by an agent on the applicant’s behalf;

• Draft Convention 2.3(g) proposes that details of tariff rates for the proposed service, be provided where applicable (eg, when assessing an application for numbers in the premium rate or special service ranges); and

• Draft Convention 2.3(k) proposes that operators provide OFTEL with confirmation that number portability is available on request. Number portability is a requirement of the licence granted to those operating telecommunication systems, under Section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984.

2.6.12 OFTEL believes that these requirements will assist in the speedy processing of information and efficient allocation and reservation of appropriate blocks of numbers or codes.

2.6.13 OFTEL proposes to move the Convention dealing with the reservation of numbers and codes (previously Convention A5) to become Convention 3. This is because it would appear to fit better between Convention 2, dealing with how applicants should apply for numbers or code allocations, and Convention 4, which sets out how OFTEL will consider applications for both allocations and reservations.

2.6.14 It is proposed to add Convention 3.6 to clarify that, where several operators request the same block, OFTEL will reserve it to the first applicant, but will only confirm this when firm evidence of a supporting order has been received.

2.6.15 OFTEL proposes to combine most of the previous Conventions A6 and A7 into this Convention which is drafted to set out the factors that OFTEL would take into account when considering applications. OFTEL believes that this is a rationalising measure.

2.6.16 OFTEL proposes that the existing Convention A7.3 (now Convention 4.4) should be amended to make it clear that OFTEL will take into account an applicant’s ability to port numbers in accordance with the Functional Specification on Number Portability when considering applications. It will be the Number Portability licence condition and the Functional Specification that sets out the ground rules for porting numbers, not the Conventions.

2.6.17 It is proposed that the existing Convention A7.2 be deleted as it simply sets out a description of the Functional Specification.

2.6.18 Finally, OFTEL proposes to clarify the procedure that is appropriate where an application has, in part or in full, been refused. Convention 4.15 explains that an applicant may write to the Director General to dispute the reasons given for a refusal by OFTEL’s Numbering Unit.

2.6.19 This new Convention brings together various Conventions from the second issue (A8, A10 and A11), that all placed differing conditions upon those to whom numbering capacity had been allocated. OFTEL believes that the common thread between those Conventions - that all deal with conditions placed on allocations, information that should be supplied when changing allocations, and information which could be required when the audit process is undertaken - supports this rationalisation.

2.6.20 The first substantive, textual change to this new Convention concerns OFTEL’s proposal to remove the requirement for those who have received an allocation for numbering to have the full details of their porting arrangements available for inspection by OFTEL (old Convention A10.2). In future, all requirements regarding porting will be set out in the Functional Specification and enforced through the Number Portability licence condition.

2.6.21 OFTEL proposes that each year it will make a decision, based on its assessment of resources or need to explore developments in a particular area, and will request Annual Numbering Returns only where OFTEL considers that it would be beneficial to do so.

This is a further liberalising measure. Accordingly, OFTEL is proposing that it will not in future require all holders of allocations to submit to OFTEL an Annual Numbering Return.

This liberalising proposal is reflected in Convention 5.3.

2.6.22 To the list of topics that can be included, at OFTEL’s request, in the Annual Numbering Return, OFTEL proposes to add a status report on pre-allocation porting (Conventions 5.4(e)). This specific reference is intended to assist in promoting this service as a means of helping number conservation. Following this through, it is also proposed to add a new Convention 5.10, setting out that OFTEL may, in certain circumstances, allocate codes on the specific condition that they can be capable of being ported-on to a third party. This could be appropriate where a code is being allocated to an operator exclusively for a third party and then that third party becomes, in due course, eligible for an allocation of a code, and would like to continue using the said code.

2.6.23 Finally, the previous Convention A13, dealing with the Annual Numbering Report, is moved to become Convention 5.7.

2.6.24 This Convention was previously Convention A9. Whilst it remains, for the large part, the same, OFTEL proposes to amend what was previously Convention A9.4 (now Convention 6.4) to clarify what is meant by ‘transferred’ (ie, ported or sub-allocated), and to remove the suggestion that a new range will usually be needed to replace a re-allocated range.

2.6.25 A number of changes are proposed to this Convention. The changes are all intended to assist either in the speedier dissemination of information concerning the Scheme, or to add clarification.

2.6.26 The first change proposed is in Convention 7.2, which states that the SNS List will no longer appear in the Numbering Bulletins. Instead, the List will be published, usually on a weekly basis, on OFTEL’s web site.

2.6.27 It is proposed that in the future the status indicators on the SNS List will follow a simpler structure. At the macro level, all numbers or codes will be either ‘Designated’ or ‘Not Designated’. That is, codes or numbers will either be within the designated part of the SNS (see Annex A of the Conventions for further detail) or not. Allocations can only be made from Designated parts of the Scheme.

2.6.28 At the micro level, within the ‘Designated’ category, it is proposed that numbers or codes will be marked on the SNS List as ‘Free’ (or ‘Free for national dialling only’), ‘Allocated’ (or ‘Allocated for migration only’), ‘Reserved’, or ‘Protected’. These are all explained at Convention 7.4.

2.6.29 Accordingly, OFTEL is also proposing to withdraw the following obsolete status indicators: ‘Unusable’ (now included within ‘Protected’), ‘Unavailable’ (this has effectively been renamed as ‘Not Designated’), ‘Applied For’, ‘Offered’ and ‘To be withdrawn’. The latter three categories were seldom used and all entailed a disproportionate amount of administrative work for a limited and transient gain.

2.6.30 Importantly, it should be noted that it is proposed that the definitions for ‘Designated’ and ‘Allocated’ be amended. In the previous edition of the Conventions, the term ‘Allocated’ included a record of allocation to both an operator or for a purpose (within the Scheme). It is proposed now that ‘Allocated’ specifically refers only to the allocation of a number or code to an operator. ‘Designated’ will now be the term used to indicate the purpose of the block or code within the SNS (ie, whether a code or block is geographic, find me anywhere, premium rate, etc, and also, within geographic ranges, what area a code is designated for). OFTEL believes that this separation is simpler to understand and will assist both those consulting the SNS to discover who has what or what a number or code indicates, and those looking for ‘Free’ capacity. A definition of the ‘Free’ status indicator has been added along with definitions for further subsets of ‘Free’: ‘Free for national dialling only’ and ‘Free for new 100,000 block only’.

2.6.31 Making changes to the status indicators on the SNS List is a significant undertaking. However, OFTEL would propose to make these revisions as soon as possible after this consultation is completed, subject to comments received.

2.6.32 At Convention 7.5, it is proposed to add details of the confirmation documents that OFTEL issues. These documents, which confirm allocations, reservations and withdrawals, are being issued as a direct result of requests from applicants and those running interconnecting systems.

2.6.33 Finally, at Convention A12.8 of the second issue of the Conventions, it was indicated that OFTEL may publish, and periodically update, a simplified table of allocated codes. This is quite separate from the full SNS List that OFTEL publishes on its web site. Whilst OFTEL may continue to publish this simplified list, OFTEL does not believe that this paragraph, unbinding as it is, forms a useful part of the Conventions. Therefore, no reference to this appears in this draft of the Conventions.

2.7.1 OFTEL proposes to swap these sections around, as it appears more logical to set out the structure (A1) before going into the detail (A2).

2.7.2 A new Convention A3.2 is proposed, to state explicitly, that OFTEL will endeavour to give three years’ notice of any geographic code change.

2.7.3 In the interests of the efficient use of numbering capacity, OFTEL proposes, in Convention A3.8, to allocate numbers in blocks of 1,000 in Conservation Areas, as opposed to the more usual practice of allocating geographic numbers in blocks of 10,000. OFTEL believes that this will better enable both it and operators to best manage dwindling resources in these sensitive areas.

2.7.4 Since early 2000, OFTEL has been allocating 10,000 number blocks in Conservation Areas on condition that recipients should only open each 1,000 number block within them one at a time, and that OFTEL would, in due course, claim back unused numbers in blocks of 1,000. OFTEL intends to begin reclaiming unused 1,000 blocks from those 10,000 ranges this year. Unused 1,000 number blocks will be returned to a ‘Free’ status on the SNS List, and will be available for further allocation in blocks of 1,000, consistent with new Convention A3.8.

2.7.5 As a further conservation measure, OFTEL is concerned that 100,000 ranges in geographic areas should not normally be opened whilst blocks are still free in already opened 100,000 ranges within that code area. This of great assistance to OFTEL in its work on future area code planning. OFTEL is seeking views as to whether this should be achieved by marking such ranges as ‘Free for new 100,000 block only’ on the SNS List (see paragraph 2.5.31 above), or as ‘Protected’.

2.7.6 Protecting unopened 100,000 ranges would appear to give operators a greater degree of certainty on the status of those ranges when making applications and allow OFTEL to decide how and when ranges should be opened. Also, as a sub-set of the ‘Protected’ status indicator, this principle would not require a specific reference in the Conventions. However, it is not clear to OFTEL that this degree of control or certainty is necessary. Accordingly, the last sentence of Convention A3.8, along with the ‘Free for new 100,000 block only’ status indicator, have been drafted. If there were a consensus that protecting these ranges is more appropriate, OFTEL would propose to remove these lines from the published Conventions.

2.7.7 There is no change to the text in this Convention from the second issue. However, OFTEL is committed to undertaking a review of this part of the Scheme later in 2001, and will issue a new draft Convention A5 for consideration at that time.

2.7.8 The A.7 range has been designated for ‘Find-me-anywhere’ services. Therefore all ‘Find-me-anywhere’ services (ie, personal, paging and mobile) should be located in the 07 number range.

2.7.9 A definition of ‘Personal Numbering Services’ has been created (see the Glossary) to ensure that personal numbers are used only where appropriate.

2.7.10 There has been a noticeable growth in complaints concerning misuse of 070 numbering, particularly for calls that should be in the 090 or 091 ranges, where there is no intention that the calls to the personal number will ever be diverted to other locations. Calls to personal numbers can be relatively expensive and, unlike with premium rate services, there is no obligation at present to indicate the cost to a caller of using that personal number. Accordingly, in the interests of greater transparency, OFTEL proposes that these services, and these alone, will use the 070 number range. This is stated explicitly in Convention A7.4.

2.7.11 OFTEL will enforce Convention A7.4 in accordance with the procedures set out in the paragraph 2 of the Introduction to the Conventions (ie, through the enforcement procedures for a licence breach set out in the Telecommunications Act 1984). OFTEL suggests that those to whom numbers have been allocated remind their customers of the appropriate uses for 070 numbers when making sub-allocations.

2.7.12 Since 1997, when the second issue of the Conventions was published, several substantive policy changes have been made to these ‘Special Services’. Amendments to the 08 range were required in advance of this consultation as a result of urgent industry requirements, mainly in the Internet market with the support of the industry. Changes to digit analysis, to allow smaller block size allocation, have also been introduced, which will ensure greater efficiency of use.

2.7.13 The current Conventions state that numbers in the 08 range are allocated in blocks of 10,000 numbers. This does not always represent an efficient use of numbering resources as some services, such as Internet services and 0800 freephone numbers, require very few numbers. Consequently, in order to conserve numbering capacity, OFTEL consulted with the Numbering Forum (an open meeting chaired by OFTEL to allow numbering issues to be discussed) in September 2000 regarding the introduction of 1,000 number blocks for Internet services. At that meeting, OFTEL found support for a change to the current Convention B8.2 (now Convention A8.2) to the effect that number blocks should be allocated in multiples of 1,000, where appropriate.

2.7.14 It is not anticipated that direct allocation to end users of 08 numbering will be necessary in the near future, so it is proposed that the existing reference to this (Convention B8.6) be deleted.

2.7.15 At Convention A8.4, it is proposed to add a specific reference to the 082 range, which includes Internet for Schools, along with a new definition of the 084 and 087 ranges. The Internet for Schools range has met the need for a special tariff for this type of access since 1998, and it is proposed that the Conventions should be revised to reflect this. The 084 and 087 ranges have been re-defined to accommodate numbering requirements for the new Number Translation Services (‘NTS’) arrangements, as published in the OFTEL statement entitled ‘The Relationship between Interconnect Charges and Retail Prices for Number Translation Services’, of December 2000.

2.7.16 It is further proposed that the description of tariffs for special services should be tightened up to state that tariffs for the 084 and 087 ranges should be inclusive of VAT. In addition, where it is commercially unavoidable to have to levy charges to callers of a freephone number, this should be indicated at the start of the call.

2.7.17 Finally, OFTEL proposes that the existing Conventions B8.4 and B8.5 be revised to define sub-ranges, including the new sub-ranges introduced to meet the urgent need for Internet ranges, and tariffs determined by a terminating operator, in the ‘Up to 5p’ or ‘Up to 10p’ ranges. This should allow further tariff diversity to develop.

2.7.18 The first proposal here is to remove all references to ‘multimedia’ and replace them with ‘broadband’. Multimedia was an imprecise term used to describe a range of possible future service whilst ‘broadband’ is definable, and is included in the Glossary at the end of the Conventions.

2.7.19 OFTEL proposes several amendments to the body of the text dealing with the 09 range in relation to premium rate services. OFTEL believes that these changes are necessary to ensure the preservation of meaningful service indication for consumers, as set out in the guiding principles (Convention 1.1(c)) and to meet with the specific consumer protection issues associated with premium rate services, particularly with those of a sexual nature.

2.7.20 In addition, OFTEL believes that it would be appropriate to stabilise the 090 range so as to enable operators and service providers to develop selective premium rate call barring products.

2.7.21 The first area where changes are proposed is that, rather than the previous ‘shared revenue’ description, proposed Convention A9.2 now sets out common characteristics of premium rate content services in the 090 range, and Convention A9.3 now sets out the common characteristics of premium rate non-content services.

2.7.22 Further, it is proposed that the sub-range 0909 be retained solely for services of a sexual nature and for no other premium rate services. This will ensure that service meaning integrity is maintained.

2.7.23 It is proposed, at Convention A9.6, to normally allocate and tariff numbers in the 090 and 091 ranges in multiples of 1,000. However, where appropriate, OFTEL will continue to allocate blocks of 10,000 numbers in these ranges.

2.7.24 Finally, in Convention A9.9, OFTEL proposes to state explicitly that the ranges 092-099 are designated for the use of broadband services.

2.7.25 It is proposed in Convention A10.3 that the number of digits that need to be examined in the 07, 08 and 09 ranges will normally not exceed six excluding the national prefix, ‘0’. This reflects moves to allow tariff discrimination between blocks of 1,000 and 10,000, rather than just 100,000, where appropriate. Additionally, in some sectors (eg, Internet-only services and geographic Conservation Areas) OFTEL has moved or wishes to move to 1,000 block allocations to conserve numbers, and this will require seven-digit analysis.

2.7.26 The policy on access and short codes is currently under review as part of a separate consultation ‘Access Codes - Options for the Future’, published in May 2000. A statement is currently being prepared and will be published shortly. As a consequence, the text addressing access codes has been omitted from this version of the Conventions. It is anticipated that the outcome of OFTEL’s policy considerations in this area can be reflected in the published third issue of the Conventions.

2.8 Part D of the second issue of the Conventions has been moved without alteration to become Annex B to these draft Conventions.

2.9.1 This is an entirely new section and reflects the fact that, since the publication of the second issue of the Conventions, OFTEL has taken over the allocation of several new types of code. In the large part, BT previously allocated these ‘Other Codes’, and OFTEL has taken over these responsibilities on a voluntary basis, at the request of the telecom industry.

2.9.2 While it is not essential that OFTEL allocate some of these codes, it is appropriate that a suitable independent body oversees them. The appropriateness of the continuing allocation of these codes by OFTEL will be subject to a detailed review in due course.

2.9.3 The codes in question are:

• National and International Signalling Point Codes
• Number Portability Prefix Codes
• Targeted Transit Codes
• Inbound/ Internal Routing Codes
• Mobile Network Codes (GSM)
• Carrier Pre Selection (CPS) Codes
• Licensed Operator Identification Digits
• Reseller Identification Codes

2.9.4 OFTEL has recently taken over the allocation of Mobile Network Codes (‘MNC’) from the Department of Trade and Industry. MNCs are part of the International Mobile Station Identity (‘IMSI’) code that identifies the subscribers host network.

2.9.5 OFTEL proposes to clarify the eligibility criteria for receiving a MNC. To qualify, an operator should have their own Home Location Register (HLR), switching capacity and an authentication centre. As MNC’s are a finite resource (the United Kingdom currently has 200 MNCs), OFTEL believes that it is inappropriate to allocate these where they are technically unnecessary.

2.9.6 The demand for Telex services has dwindled. OFTEL has not been asked to allocate any new numbers for Telex services for some years. In light of this, and in the interests of keeping the Conventions as concise and relevant as possible, OFTEL proposes that the text on telex numbering and standards be removed from the Conventions. OFTEL proposes that it will henceforth supply information and guidance on Telex service numbering on request.

2.9 This section has been moved from the front of the Conventions to the end. It has also been significantly extended to include a number of new definitions.

Consultation

3.1 The initial consultation will run until 18 May 2001. A further 2 weeks will be allowed to submit comments on comments.

3.2 Any comments on the proposed variations to the Numbering Conventions - or on other issues arising out of this consultation document (including comments on any aspects of the Numbering Conventions for which OFTEL has not proposed any changes in the substance - should be made in writing and sent to:

Josephine Ibegbuna
Conventions Consultation
Numbering Unit
OFTEL
50 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7JJ

Fax: 020 7634 8784
e-mail 

Internet Access
3.3 OFTEL has a free e-mail based mailing list to help people stay informed about its work. Each time an OFTEL document is published and placed on OFTEL’s website, subscribers to the list receive an e-mail informing them of the document. To register for this service you should visit the What’s New page on the OFTEL website.

3.4 Confidential responses should not be sent via the internet. Written comments will be made publicly available in OFTEL’s Research and Intelligence Unit except where a respondent indicates that a response, or part of it, is confidential. Respondents are therefore asked to separate any confidential material into a clearly marked annex. In the interests of transparency, respondents are asked to avoid confidential markings wherever possible.

3.5 Appointments to view written comments in OFTEL’s Research and Intelligence Unit, which must be made in advance, can be arranged by ringing: 020 7634 8761 (fax: 020 7634 8946). If respondents would like to discuss the contents of the consultation document please contact Brian Malone on 020 7634 5349.

3.6 Copies of the full consultation document are available on disk. The Summary can be made available in large print, braille and tape formats. Please contact the OFTEL Research and Intelligence Unit on 020 7634 8761 for more information. Numbering information also appears on OFTEL’s web site: www.Oftel.gov.uk/numbers/index.htm

Next Steps

3.7 Following the completion of the consultation exercise OFTEL will publish a third issue of the Numbering Conventions that takes into account the views of respondents later this year.

The consultation criteria
Oftel considers that this document meets the Cabinet Office code of practice on written consultation documents. 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:
Robert Jex,
Oftel,
50 Ludgate Hill,
London EC4M 7JJ,
e-mail
tel: 020 7634 5340
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.

Annex

DRAFT NATIONAL NUMBERING CONVENTIONS

Issue 3 - 20 February 2001

Contents

Introduction

Convention 1 - Rights, Responsibilities and the Review Procedure

Convention 2 - Applying for Numbers or Codes

Convention 3 - Reserving Numbers or Codes

Convention 4 - Considering Applications

Convention 5 - Conditions placed on Allocations

Convention 6 - Withdrawing Allocations

Convention 7 - Specified Numbering Scheme Records

Annex A: Conventions for Numbers and Codes for the Public Switched Network

• A1 – Structure of the Scheme
• A2 – Standard Presentation
• A3 – Geographic numbering ranges
• A4 – 04 range
• A5 – 05 range
• A6 – 06 range
• A7 – 07 range: ‘Find-me-anywhere’ services
• A8 – 08 range: Special services
• A9 – 09 range: Premium rate and broadband
• A10 – Tariff significance
• A11 – Access codes and short codes

Annex B: Conventions for Numbers and Codes for Data Networks

Annex C: Conventions for other Codes or Numbers allocated by OFTEL

• C1 - National and International Signalling Point Codes
• C2 - Number Portability Prefix Codes
• C3 - Targeted Transit Codes
• C4 – Inbound and Internal Routing Codes
• C5 - Mobile Network Codes
• C6 - Carrier Pre-Selection Codes
• C7 - Licensed Operator Identification Codes
• C8 - Reseller Identification Codes
• C9 - Telex Numbering

Glossary

INTRODUCTION

1 The National Numbering Conventions (the ‘Conventions’) are a set of principles and rules relating to the use and management of numbers from the Specified Numbering Scheme (the ‘Scheme’).

2 The Conventions also govern the specification and application of the Scheme and licensees’ Numbering Plans. It is a breach of the Numbering Arrangements Condition, contained in a licence granted to an operator under Section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984, for an operator to not have a Numbering Plan, or to have a Numbering Plan that does not accord with these Conventions. OFTEL uses the procedures set out in the Telecommunications Act 1984 to enforce any breach of a licence condition.

3 The Conventions are revised from time to time by the Director General of Telecommunications (the ‘Director’) after consultation with relevant licensees and interested parties. The first and second issues of the Conventions were published in June 1994 and April 1997 respectively. This third issue takes into account:

• The provisions of the Numbering Arrangements Condition.

• Representations received by the Office of Telecommunications (‘OFTEL’) on the draft revised Conventions published in the OFTEL Consultation Document entitled ‘Revising the Numbering Conventions’, of [month] 2001.

• OFTEL’s experience of managing the Scheme since 1994, including recent developments affecting numbering issues.

4 Comments or queries regarding the Conventions should be directed to:

The Numbering Unit
OFTEL
50 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7JJ
E-mail: numbers@Oftel.gov.uk

5 Numbering information appears on OFTEL’s web site: www.Oftel.gov.uk.

1.1 The Office of Telecommunications (‘OFTEL’) is responsible for managing the Scheme and issuing the Conventions. Numbers and codes are a national resource and the following guiding principles will be taken into account by OFTEL when allocating, reserving or managing numbers:

1. OFTEL will manage the Scheme to ensure that there are sufficient numbers available to meet any reasonable demands that end-users, operators and service providers might have.
2. The Scheme will, where appropriate, be compatible with relevant European and international agreements, standards and recommendations.
3. The Scheme will seek to ensure that numbers of different types give a broad indication of service and/or tariff.
4. OFTEL will ensure that costs or inconvenience to consumers, operators and service providers are objectively justified, and kept to the minimum consistent with meeting demands for numbers and sound management of the Scheme.
5. OFTEL will allocate or reserve numbers in a fair and equitable manner, normally to the first operator that requests the block or code (ie, on a ‘first come first served’ basis). OFTEL will only allocate or reserve numbering capacity to operators who meet the eligibility criteria set out in Convention 2.
6. OFTEL will take into account the need to anticipate growth in demand for telecommunications services and, when allocating numbers, the need to conserve numbering capacity in ranges identified as having a number shortage (eg, Conservation and Watch Areas, a list of which is updated regularly, as appropriate, and is available from OFTEL’s Numbering Unit). In particular, the efficiency of utilisation of previous numbering allocations, including any numbers made available for porting, will be taken into account when considering new requests for number allocations.

1.2 Operators who have received allocations of numbers or codes shall act in accordance with the following principles:

1. Operators shall adopt a Numbering Plan, for such numbers or codes as are allocated to it, in accordance with the Conventions.
2. Operators shall be efficient in their use of numbers and shall provide number portability where required.
3. Operators shall not brand numbers, nor associate a number range with a given operator.

1.3 OFTEL may from time to time review the Conventions and/or the Scheme upon its own initiative, or upon a request in writing by any operator, service provider, user or other interested party.

1.4 The Director may from time to time amend or withdraw in full or in part the Scheme and/or a Convention already published, or publish additional Conventions. This would take place only after consulting with relevant licensees, interested parties who are members of the Telecommunications Numbering and Addressing Body (‘TNAB’) and, if the Director considers it appropriate, end-users.

1.5 The normal consultation period will be three months. However, in exceptional circumstances, a shorter consultation period of not less than twenty-eight calendar days may be appropriate.

1.6 Licensed operators will not be required to comply with any such amendment or withdrawal, unless they have been given a reasonable period of notice, such notice not being less than three months.

1.7 These Conventions are structured in two parts. The first part (Conventions 1 to 7) sets out the general rules or principles concerning the procedures for applications, reservations, withdrawals and other operations of the Scheme from both OFTEL and recipients’ points of view. The second part (Conventions set out in Annexes A to C) sets out specific rules relating to numbers or codes within parts of the Scheme.

1.8 This structure is for presentational purposes only and shall not effect the status of any of the individual Conventions, whether they are placed in the first or second part of these Conventions.

2.1 All operators running a telecommunication system under a licence granted under Section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984, whether that is an individual or a class licence, containing a Numbering Arrangements Condition, are eligible to apply for allocations and reservations of numbering capacity.

2.2 Other persons who may require an allocation of numbering capacity, but who are not eligible under Convention 2.1 above, should seek a sub-allocation from an eligible operator (as defined in Convention 2.1 above). Sub-allocations should be fairly and reasonably available from such operators. However, OFTEL is prepared, at its discretion, to consider reserving or allocating numbers or codes to systemless service providers in demonstrably exceptional circumstances (eg, where an operator is in the process of setting up a system).

2.3 When applying for an allocation or reservation of numbering capacity, the applicant shall provide the following information to OFTEL’s Numbering Unit on an appropriate application form (available from OFTEL’s Numbering Unit):

1. Name and contact details of the applicant.
2. Where a person submits an application form on behalf of the applicant, a signed and dated letter of authorisation shall accompany it from that applicant.
3. Details of the Telecommunications Act licence under which the applicant intends to operate the numbering capacity sought.
4. The purpose for which the numbering allocation is required.
5. A preferred numbering code and/or block and, where appropriate, second and third preferences should be indicated.
6. Details of the geographic scope of the service.
7. Details of the proposed tariff rate of the service (where applicable).
8. The date by which the allocation is required.
9. The relationship with existing reservations or allocations.
10. Details of the applicant’s utilisation of existing number allocations. For example:

- Percentage of numbers allocated to end-users in service;
- Reserved capacity - against firm orders (for geographic numbering only);
- Numbers set aside for geographic growth or customer orders;
- Free capacity; and
- A forecast of expected utilisation over a period of at least three years.

    k.   Confirmation that number portability is available on request.
     l.   Any other information that the applicant considers necessary or appropriate to justify the application.

2.4 In addition, applicants shall provide to OFTEL any other information, judged by OFTEL to be relevant to the application, and the supply of which does not place an undue burden on the applicant. This may include a brief description of the applicant’s technical and operational system configuration.

2.5 Applications for numbering allocations should not, in general, be made more than six months prior to the planned in-service date for non-geographic numbers, or more than three months prior to the planned in-service date for geographic numbers.

3.1 In addition to allocating numbering capacity, OFTEL may, at its discretion, agree to reserve it. Reservations are appropriate where:

(a)    an applicant does not want to be identified;

(b)    the reason for the application should not be divulged prior to an application for the allocation;

(c)    a customer order has not been finalised; or

(d)    a route for migrating numbers from another block or code needs to be identified.

3.2 A reservation may be made:

(a)    in anticipation of an application being made for numbering capacity in accordance with a three year rolling forecast provided by licensees entitled to apply for allocation; or

(b)    against a specific request submitted by any person eligible to receive allocations (for example, for the expansion or growth of existing services or for the introduction of new services).

3.3 An application for a reservation shall be made to OFTEL’s Numbering Unit in accordance with Convention 2. The same formal consultation procedure, set out in Conventions 4.5 to 4.8, applies, subject to commercial confidentiality considerations.

3.4 It should be noted that a reservation does not entitle applicants to activate the capacity. Nor, where numbering capacity is reserved, is there any guarantee that a corresponding allocation will subsequently be made. Reservations will be time-limited and the limit for reservations will normally be three months. Reservations may be renewable on request to OFTEL.

3.5 Once a reservation has been made, that numbering capacity will be unavailable for allocation, except for the purpose and to the organisation for which the reservation was made. However, a reservation will automatically be cancelled if:

(a) the time limit has expired;

(b) the applicant withdraws the reservation; or

(c) OFTEL and the applicant agree a substitute reservation or allocation.

3.6 Where available number ranges are limited, and several operators have requested the same number block, OFTEL will reserve the block but only confirm its allocation to the first operator who provides OFTEL with firm evidence of a customer order.

4.1 When making number allocations or reservations within the Scheme, OFTEL will take into account:

1. the guiding principles set out in Convention 1.1;
2. the provisions of the Numbering Arrangements Condition and, where appropriate, any other relevant licence conditions;
3. the views of the applicant and other interested parties (through consultation, where appropriate); and
4. any other matters that OFTEL deems relevant (eg, any requirement to open a new range or make changes to the Scheme in order to allocate the required numbers or codes).

4.2 Before opening any new ranges, or significant parts of ranges, OFTEL will publish a notification in the Numbering Bulletin, giving at least twenty-eight calendar days prior notice. OFTEL will also specify a date for the initial receipt of applications for those ranges and, prior to that date, no applications will be accepted.

4.3 OFTEL will notify the ITU Telecommunications Standardisation Sector (‘ITU-T’) of changes to the Scheme and ensure that the correct notification is given in the ITU-T Operational Bulletin. Where OFTEL considers it appropriate, it will also notify other overseas administrations, such as those that do not subscribe to the ITU-T Operational Bulletin.

4.4 OFTEL will take into account the applicant’s ability to provide portability, for numbers in ranges listed in the Functional Specification for Number Portability, when considering applications.

4.5 In exceptional circumstances (explained below), OFTEL may choose to consult on the relevant details of an application for number allocation or reservation, or for a change of use of an existing allocation. Such consultation will be at OFTEL’s discretion and, following discussion with the applicant, either directly with interested parties or by means of a wider publication.

4.6 Such consultation will normally take place where, in OFTEL’s opinion, an allocation of numbering capacity would be unusual or might set a precedent – albeit that it is otherwise consistent with the structure of the Scheme and with the Conventions. A consultation of this kind will normally commence within twenty-eight calendar days of receipt of the application.

4.7 Where OFTEL considers that a consultation on any or all of the detail of an application may compromise the commercial interests of the applicant, OFTEL shall take into account the views of the applicant on those details upon which the consultation should take place.

4.8 Where such a consultation has commenced, any comments on the application must be sent to OFTEL within twenty-eight calendar days of the date of publication of the consultation, or any other period notified at the time of consultation. OFTEL shall then consider the responses and advise the applicant and respondents of its decision within a maximum period of twenty-eight calendar days from the end of the consultation period.

4.9 OFTEL will use all reasonable endeavours to make an allocation or reservation in accordance with the Conventions, in response to applications for numbering capacity, within a period of twenty-eight calendar days following receipt of an application that contains all of the information required by Convention 2.

4.10 The period referred to in Convention 4.9 may be exceeded where:

1. additional information is required from the applicant;
2. a period of consultation is necessary, as initiated by OFTEL;
3. there are significant issues relating to the application that cannot be reasonably handled within that period;
4. evidence is required that an applicant is running a system licensed under Section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984; or
5. OFTEL considers that an alternative period of time is justified.

4.11 Where OFTEL considers that an exception to the normal period is required, then it will inform the applicant in writing of its reasons and of the revised period. Generally, this period will not exceed ninety calendar days from receipt of an application that contains all of the information required by Convention 2.

4.12 OFTEL may refuse an application for an allocation or reservation of numbering capacity. Alternatively, OFTEL may not grant the application in full, or may attach specific conditions to the allocation which are consistent with the Conventions and relate to the use and management of the numbering capacity allocated. Such specific conditions will be set out in the letter that accompanies the Allocation Certificate.

4.13 In the event of a refusal, whether in part or in full, or where specific conditions are attached, OFTEL will inform the applicant, in writing, of its reasons.

4.14 OFTEL may, following consultation with the applicant, make an alternative allocation that has the potential to satisfy the applicant’s requirements without conflicting with the criteria that caused the original application to be refused.

4.15 Where OFTEL refuses an application, either in part or in full, or attaches specific conditions to the allocation, the applicant may write to the Director disputing the reasons given by OFTEL for its decision or giving further information for consideration regarding the application. The Director will then consider the request and respond to the applicant within twenty-eight calendar days.

5.1 In addition to any specific conditions that may apply (see Convention 4.12), the following general conditions, relating to the use and management of numbering capacity, apply to all allocations made by OFTEL:

1. the allocation shall be used for the purpose specified in the application (eg, including any classification by type or tariff as set out in the Scheme);
2. the person originally allocated numbers shall be responsible for them. This does not prevent that recipient sub-allocating numbers, provided that the sub-allocation is still for the use specified in the original application and in accordance with the Conventions;
3. the holder of the allocation shall maintain a record of the percentage of numbers in use;
4. the holder of the allocation shall maintain a record of numbers that have been ported to another operator (‘ported numbers’);
5. holders of numbering capacity shall not, unless the Director consents otherwise, charge any person for a number allocated to him (other than a coveted number allocated to a person who is not a public telecommunications operator at the request of such a person); and
6. an operator shall not use numbers from the Scheme other than those allocated by OFTEL.

5.2 Those who have been allocated numbering capacity are required to apply to OFTEL to make any changes:

1. to the ownership of the block or code;
2. to the purpose of use of the numbering allocation; or
3. which relate to conditions of use placed on the allocation.

5.3 Where so requested by OFTEL, each holder of an allocation shall submit to OFTEL an ‘Annual Numbering Return’. The Annual Numbering Return shall refer to information at the calendar year end and shall be submitted to OFTEL as requested, but usually within one month of the end of that year.
5.4 The following information shall be provided in the Annual Numbering Return for each allocation:

1. the current use of the allocation;
2. the percentage of numbers which have been allocated to end-users;
3. details of numbers that are unavailable for further allocation and the reasons why they cannot be allocated;
4. the allocation of blocks of numbers to any person for purposes other than end use; and
5. the proportion of numbers ported, at the request of end users, to another operator, including those ported before allocation.

5.5 Each Annual Numbering Return shall also provide:

1. a three year forecast of demand within significant ranges, as specified by OFTEL;
2. the justification for continuing reservation by the operator of numbering capacity; and
3. any other information requested by OFTEL.

5.6 This information shall be supplied in a format specified by OFTEL. OFTEL will not require information where the collection or analysis of the information would place an undue burden on the organisation submitting the Annual Numbering Return.

5.7 OFTEL will prepare an annual numbering report on the organisation and use of the Scheme for publication each year, usually in April.

5.8 When activating a number allocation, it is the responsibility of the holder of the allocation to negotiate with, and to notify, relevant United Kingdom operators and, where appropriate, overseas authorities. This will be done within a timescale agreed between the operators and/or organisations.
5.9 Those who have been allocated numbering capacity are required to advise OFTEL, on an ongoing basis, of the contact in their organisations to whom notifications of the dates for activation of the allocated codes and number blocks should be sent. OFTEL will maintain a list of such contacts and will make it available on request to all organisations listed on it, and others who, in OFTEL’s opinion, have need of that information.

5.10 OFTEL may allocate a code to an operator on the condition that it is used exclusively for traffic to and from a specified third party. In addition, it may be allocated on the condition that the code shall be capable of being ported to that third party if, in due course, that third party becomes eligible to receive allocations of codes in its own right by satisfying the eligibility criteria in Convention 2.1 above.

6.1 OFTEL will withdraw capacity that it has allocated, or part of such capacity, if its continued use or allocation is not in compliance with:

1. the Conventions;
2. the Scheme; or
3. any specific conditions of the allocation.

6.2 Withdrawal of an in-service numbering range, that has been allocated by OFTEL, can be made only after OFTEL has consulted with interested parties (including members of TNAB and end-users affected by the withdrawal) for a period of not less than twenty-eight calendar days. It will be subject to a period of notice of not less than three months following that consultation.

6.3 If an allocation or part of an allocation is not brought into service within six months, it may be withdrawn, after consultation with such interested parties and for such period as specified in Convention 6.2 above. Such withdrawal will be subject to a period of notice of not less than three months following that consultation.

6.4 If a substantial proportion of numbers from an allocation has been transferred (eg, sub-allocated or ported) to another operator, OFTEL may, with the agreement of the operators concerned, re-allocate the number block to the operator who has the most users in the block.

7.1 OFTEL will maintain comprehensive records of the status of all number ranges, codes and blocks of numbers comprising the Scheme. The full Scheme will be set out in a list (the Specified Numbering Scheme List or ‘SNS List’) kept by OFTEL and made available on OFTEL’s web site. OFTEL will endeavour to update the SNS List on OFTEL’s web site on a weekly basis.

7.2 Where available and not commercially sensitive, details of the operator’s plans for reserved numbering will be included on the SNS List on OFTEL’s web site. However, those requiring further details of reservations are advised to contact the person for whom the code or block of numbers has been reserved.

Status Indicators

7.3 OFTEL will structure the Scheme so that all numbers or codes will be either ‘Designated’ or ‘Not Designated’:

‘Designated’ - indicates whether a code or block is geographic, find me anywhere, premium rate, etc, and also, within geographic ranges, what area the code is designated for. Designation is no indication as to the availability or otherwise of a number or code.

‘Not Designated’ – indicates that a code or block has not been set aside for a use specified in Annex A of the Conventions. These codes or blocks are therefore not available for allocation or reservation.

7.4 However, it is unlikely that the indicator ‘Designated’ will appear on the SNS List. In most instances, codes or numbers that have been ‘Designated’ will have one of the following, more specific, status indicators (listed in alphabetical order):

‘Allocated’ – indicates codes or numbers that have been allocated to a person whose name will be listed alongside. While the majority of codes and number blocks shown as ‘Allocated’ may also be in public service, these records will not contain information about in-service dates. In addition, allocations will not appear with full details on the SNS List while an applicant maintains a requirement to protect commercially sensitive information prior to the opening of service.

‘Allocated for Migration Only’ – indicates that the code or block has been allocated to a listed person for the express purpose of managing a migration from one range to another. This may be a temporary allocation and, after a suitable, specified time, OFTEL may determine that the block could be used for new business.

‘Free’ – indicates that this code or block is available for allocation or reservation. Applicants should note that a number block shown as ‘Free’ could have already been requested by another operator between the time of the last update of the list and the time of applying for the number block.

‘Free for National Dialling Only’ – indicates numbering ranges where there is a risk of conflict with access or other codes. To avoid that, these numbers are available only for use where a geographic code will always be added (see Convention A3.11 for further details).

‘Free for New 100,000 Block Only’- indicates number ranges that are not normally available for allocation or reservation while numbers are still ‘Free’ in previously opened ranges within that geographic code area (see Convention A3.8 for further details).

‘Protected’ – indicates where a number block is protected until further notice or, where a date is shown, until that date. Numbers are protected, eg, for future planning purposes or to avoid temporary or permanent dialling problems.

‘Reserved’ – indicates a provisional allocation, subject to confirmation by the applicant and/or OFTEL. The applicant’s name will not normally appear alongside the reservation to ensure commercial confidentiality.

7.5 OFTEL will issue the following confirmation documents:

‘Allocation Certificate’ – this sets out the number range(s) being allocated, the person to whom the allocation has been made, the certificate’s issue date, and the case number.

‘Reservation Certificate’ – this sets out the number range(s) being reserved, the person for whom the reservation has been made, the certificate’s issue and expiry dates, and the case number.

‘Withdrawal Certificate’ – this sets out the number range(s) of the allocation being withdrawn, the person concerned, the certificate’s issue date, and the case number.

A1.1 The National Significant Number (‘NSN’) will usually be ten digits (excluding national prefix code ‘0’) notated by the alphabetical sequence ‘SABCDEXXXX’.

A1.2 The structure of the Scheme is as follows (with the national prefix digit ‘0’ and initial Scheme (‘S’) digit identifying the range):

00 The international prefix code, used to access international dialling.
01 The Geographic Numbering Range with four, five, six or seven digit local numbers (see Convention A3).
02 The Geographic Numbering Range with eight digit local numbers (see Convention A3).
03 Future Geographic Numbering Range (see Convention A3).
04 Future use (see Convention A4).
05 Corporate Numbering (see Convention A5).
06 Future use (see Convention A6).
07 ‘Find-me-anywhere’ Range for Personal, Mobile and Paging services (see Convention A7).
08 Special Services (see Convention A8).
09 Premium Rate Numbering and Broadband Services (see Convention A9).

A1.3 Since the numbering capacity associated with a range may exceed the potential demand for the usage identified in Convention A1.2 above, allocations will be made from particular A digits, leaving other values of A digit free for future allocation to the given usage or for alternative designation. Similarly, capacity will be conserved by care in the allocation of B, C and D digits to avoid large blocks of numbers being sterilised.

A2.1 So far as it is practicable, the Scheme will conform to the relevant international standards. In particular, attention is drawn to the following ITU-T Recommendations, or their functional successors:

‘E.123’- Standard notation for national and international telephone numbers (see Convention A2.3 to A2.9 below).

‘E.161’ - Arrangements of figures, letters and symbols on telephones and other devices that can be used for gaining access to a telephone network.

                    ‘E.164’ - The international public telecommunications numbering plan.

                    ‘E.166’ - Numbering plan for inter-working the E.164 and X.121 number plans.

                    ‘X.121’ - International numbering plan for public data networks.

‘X.122’ - Numbering plan for inter-working between a packet switched public data network (‘PSPDN’) and an integrated services digital network (‘ISDN’) or public switched telephone network (‘PSTN’) in the short term.

A2.2 ITU-T Recommendations E.169.2, E.169.3, E.175, E.191 and E.195 describe the role of the ITU-T in introducing universal services. The allocation of numbers for such services (eg, International Freephone 00800) is the responsibility of the ITU-T.

A2.3 The country code allocated by the ITU-T to the United Kingdom for use on the PSTN is 44. This code follows the international dialling prefix on calls made from outside the United Kingdom, and should be followed by the NSN of the destination within the United Kingdom, excluding the national dialling prefix, ‘0’. The country code ‘44’ is also used by the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

A2.4 Particular attention is drawn to ITU-T Recommendation E.164 which states that the maximum number of digits that a national system is expected to handle on an outgoing international call is fifteen (15) (excluding the international dialling prefix).

A2.5 The Scheme will use the decimal character set 0-9 for all number allocations. Letters and other non-decimal characters will not form any part of the United Kingdom’s NSN. The use of alphanumeric keypads is recommended for telecommunication terminals to facilitate a harmonised means of transfer of information within those countries who, like the United Kingdom, are members of the European Conference of Posts and Telecommunications (‘CEPT’). In the event that an alphanumeric arrangement is used which exceeds the number length of the range dialled, this confers no right to the longer sequence, nor any guarantee that it will work.

A2.6 The use of the following set of keypad arrangement is strongly recommended, in line with ITU-T Recommendation E.161 Option A: