ACMA moots tightening the rules covering VoIP phone numbers.

Stuart Corner
Saturday, 20 December 2008 11:56

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

However the ACMA is no longer able to keep track of which VoIP service provider has actually allocated a number to a custome.

It explains: "Larger [telcos] that have been allocated numbers by ACMA frequently enter into commercial interconnect arrangements with small [telcos] (generally small VoIP providers). This includes the supply of numbers to the small [telco] so they, in turn, can provide services to the public. In some cases, the movement of numbers between [telcos] in this way may occur several times before the number is issued to a customer for use. Many small [telcos] use this arrangement to avoid making significant investments in network interconnection arrangements."

The ACMA canvasses a number of options to deal with this problem, one being to require all telcos to register all movements of numbers directly with ACMA.

However, it notes that some options would be rather costly and could drive service providers out of the VoIP market

"If the changes to the Numbering Plan that are being considered are implemented some small providers may have financial problems complying with the regulatory regime. ACMA is aware that some providers might consider withdrawing from offering fixed services using geographic numbers if the proposed changes adversely affect profitability."

Another option is for the formation of SPINS: the Small Provider Integrated Number System. SPINS would be a centralised industry service that could supply individual numbers to small telcos to issue to their customers as needed, and also facilitate porting for the numbers when an end users wanted to switch service provider but keep their VoIP phone number.