Numbering Resource Optimization

The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) implemented numbering resource optimization measures that will minimize the negative impact on consumers of premature area code exhausts; ensure sufficient access to numbering resources for all service providers to enter into or to compete in telecommunications markets; avoid, or at least delay, exhaust of the North American Number Plan (NANP) and the need to expand the NANP; impose the least societal cost possible, and ensure competitive neutrality, while obtaining the highest benefit; ensure that no class of carrier or consumer is unduly favored or disfavored by our optimization efforts; and minimize the incentives for carriers to build and carry excessively large inventories of numbers. Section 52.15(f) of the Commission's rules, which imposes new information collection requirements, becomes effective on July 17, 2000.