'800-855-XXXX Assignment Guidelines' Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2001 By: Anonymous - index; * PURPOSE AND SCOPE * ASSUMPTIONS AND CONSTRAINTS * ASSIGNMENT PRINCIPLES * CRITERIA FOR ASSIGNMENT * RESPONSIBILITIES OF CODE APPLICANTS AND HOLDERS * RESPONSIBILITIES OF NUMBER ADMINISTRATOR * RECLAMATION PROCEDURES * NUMBER CONSERVATION * MAINTENANCE OF GUIDELINES * APPEALS PROCESS * GLOSSARY [-'] Purpose and Scope This document specifies guidelines for the assignment of line numbers within the 800-855-XXXX resource, hereafter called 800-855 numbers, which will only be used for the purpose of accessing public services on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) intended for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired. 1.1 For the purposes of these guidelines services for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired will be defined as those which are used generally to benefit this particular user community, e.g., services used by deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired persons to access a Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS), Message Relay Service (MRS) or any other entity via text telephone service (TTY). 1.2 These guidelines were developed by industry consensus process under the auspices of the Industry Numbering Committee (INC). These guidelines are expected to apply throughout the NANP Area unless the affected administrations direct otherwise. 1.3 These guidelines do not supersede controlling appropriate NANP Area governmental or regulatory principles, procedures and requirements. 2.0 Assumptions and Constraints The development of these guidelines include the following assumptions and constraints: 2.1 NANP resources, including those covered in these guidelines, are collectively managed by the North American Telecommunications industry with oversight of the North American federal regulatory authorities. The NANP resources are considered a public resource and are not owned by the assignees. Consequently, the resources cannot be sold, brokered, bartered, or leased by the assignee for a fee or other consideration. If a resource is sold, brokered, bartered, or leased for a fee, the resource is subject to reclamation by the Administrator. 2.2 To provide control over the 800-855 number assignment and to guarantee, to the extent possible, the dedicated use of 800-855 numbers according to these guidelines, the 800-855 numbers will remain unavailable for normal assignment or reservation through the 800/SMS system. 2.3 The 800-855 resource shall be assigned to permit the most effective and efficient use of a finite numbering resource. As such, periodic audits of an applicant's use of assigned 855 numbers will be performed by the number administrator to ensure compliance with these guidelines. 2.4 800-855 numbers will be assigned by North American Numbering Plan administration (NANPA), acting as the number administrator, according to the criteria specified in these guidelines. 2.5 The holder/applicant of the 800-855 number must be licensed or certified to operate in the area, if required, and must demonstrate that all applicable regulatory authority required to provide services for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired has been obtained. 2.6 The guidelines should provide the greatest latitude in the provision of public telecommunications services for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired while managing a finite resource. 2.7 These guidelines treat only the assignment of 800-855 numbers and not their implementation, which is beyond the scope of these guidelines. 2.8 The assignment of 800-855 numbers for the purposes as set forth in these guidelines shall remain in effect until there is industry consensus and/or regulatory policy direction to change these assignment guidelines. 2.9 The administrative assignment of the 800-855 number, as a public resource, does not imply ownership of the resource by the entity performing the administrative function, nor does it imply ownership by the entity to which it is assigned. 3.0 Assignment Principles The following assignment principles apply to all aspects of the "800-855 Number Assignment Guidelines": 3.1 800-855 numbers shall be assigned in a fair, timely and impartial manner to any applicant which meets the criteria as described in Section 4. 3.2 The 800-855 numbers shall be assigned only for the use in providing telecommunications services that are intended to benefit the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired (see Section 4.1.1). 3.3 Applicants for 800-855 numbers must comply with all applicable local governmental, state, provincial, federal and the NANP Area governmental regulations relative to the services for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired they wish to provide. 3.4 800-855 numbers are a finite resource and should be used in the most effective and efficient manner possible. Applicants may be required to provide technical or other information, as specified in these guidelines, to demonstrate a need for a number assignment. 3.5 Applicants for 800-855 numbers will be required to certify that the service for which a number is being requested will be used to provide services for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired. 3.6 Information that is requested of applicants in support of an 800-855 number assignment shall be uniform and kept to a minimum. Information received by the administrator shall be treated as confidential and adequately safeguarded. 3.7 Any entity who is denied the assignment of one or more 800-855 numbers, under these guidelines, has the right to appeal that decision as described in Section 9. 3.8 Assignments will be on a first come, first served basis and there will be no reservation of 800-855 numbers except as noted in Section 4.4. 3.9 800-855 numbers will be assigned from the available pool of unassigned numbers. However, the administrator shall attempt to match a number assignment with a specific number request. 3.10 These guidelines do not impose a limit on the total number of 800-855 numbers that may be assigned to each entity, provided that the numbers already assigned are activated as specified in these guidelines. 4.0 Criteria for Assignment The assignment criteria in the following sections shall be used in reviewing an 800-855 number assignment request: 4.1 In order to obtain an 800-855 number, the applicant must complete and sign the "800-855 Number Request Form" (see Attachment A). The applicant must certify that it will be providing services to deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired individuals and that it has secured the authorization, if necessary, from the federal, state, provincial or other regulatory body within the NANP Area in which it intends to provide these services. In addition, the applicant shall provide: 4.1.1 A general description of the planned service. Acceptable uses for this resource could include but are not limited to: operator services for the deaf, hearing or speech impaired (i.e., operator services accessible to text telephones (TTYs), access to TRS centers or use by customers providing services which communicate directly with TTYs, e.g., a catalog sales operation which desires to offer a specific 800 number for sales/customer service for TTY users. 4.1.2 A list of current 800-855 numbers assigned to the applicant, if any, and a certification they all are in service and the applicant's previously assigned number(s) cannot be used for this request. 4.1.3 Certify the assigned 800-855 number will be activated within 12 months after assignment. See Section 7. 4.1.4 Certify that the applicant is licensed or certified to operate in the area, if required, and demonstrate that all applicable regulatory authority required to provide the service for which the 800-855 number is required has been obtained. 4.2 An 800-855 number will be assigned to an applicant who plans on activating the number within 12 months after assignment. If the number holder can demonstrate that the number has not been activated solely due to delays beyond their control, up to a 12 month extension will be granted for the following purposes (See Section 7): (a) Trigger follow-up by the number administrator. (b) Provide a target time frame for number activation. (c) Provide a basis for number resource conservation, i.e., reclamation. 4.3 800-855 numbers shall be assigned on a first come, first served basis and each applicant requesting a number will be assigned a unique number. 4.4 Advance number reservation is not recommended. Consideration by the number administrator for number reservation will be made, however, if the applicant can demonstrate that it is essential to accommodate technical or planning constraints that could limit an effective service offering. The number administrator will try to satisfy such requests but cannot guarantee specific requests will be satisfied. 4.4.1 Numbers will be reserved, when appropriate, for a maximum period of 3 months. 4.4.2 No reservations will be made unless the applicant has met the criteria for number assignment as specified in these guidelines. 4.4.3 If the number has not been activated solely due to technical constraints, the reservation will be extended until the constraint is no longer present. 4.4.4 Any number reservation(s) is subject to assignment to another qualifying requester in the circumstance where no other 800-855 numbers exist. 4.5 The applicant's preference for a specific 800-855 number will be honored to the extent possible. The applicant may specify up to three alternative numbers in order of preference. If the preferred and alternatives are not available, or the applicant does not indicate a preference for another specific number, the number administrator will assign a number on a random basis. 4.6 If two applicants request the same 800-855 number simultaneously, (i.e., their written requests are received by the number administrator with the same date stamp) one of the applicants will be randomly selected to receive the number. 4.7 If after an 800-855 number is in service and there is no apparent usage (i.e., zero minutes of usage) over 6 consecutive months, the number administrator will initiate the reclamation process (See Section 7). 4.8 An 800-855 number assignment is not permanently allocated to an applicant and no property right is implied or intended with respect to the assigned number. 5.0 Responsibilities of Code Applicants and Holders All 800 numbers are provided in SMS/800. Therefore, the code applicant/holder must be a Responsible Organization (RESP ORG) or have a business relationship with a Responsible Organization. Entities requesting new 800-855 numbers as well as entities already assigned or holding 800-855 numbers shall comply with the following: 5.1 800-855 number applicants shall request from the number administrator information associated with the assignment of 800-855 numbers, including a current copy of the "800-855 Number Assignment Guidelines". 5.2 The 800-855 number holder is responsible for meeting all conditions of these guidelines including the following: 5.2.1 Certify that the use of the number is consistent with criteria in Section 4, i.e., services for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired. 5.2.2 Certify that the required regulatory authorization has been obtained for which the 800-855 number is being requested. 5.2.3 Agree to abide by code conservation and reclamation practices as specified in Sections 7 and 8. 5.3 The application process for 800-855 numbers assignments shall include the following: 5.3.1 Applicants shall apply to the number administrator for a number assignment by submitting a signed "800-855 Number Request Form" with all sections completed to the best of the applicant's ability. 5.3.2 Applicants shall send one form per 800-855 number request to the number administrator as follows: Director-NANP Administration 1133 15th Street, NW 12th Floor Washington, DC 20005 Phone: 202-756-5796 FAX: 202-887-0331 Web Site: www.nanpa.com 5.4 Ongoing 800-855 number holders responsibilities shall include the following: 5.4.1 The information associated with a number assignment may change over time. Such changes may occur because of the transfer of a number, through merger or acquisition, to a different company. The number holder must inform the number administrator of these changes, in writing, to ensure that an accurate record of the entity responsible for the number and the data associated with the number is maintained. 5.4.2 The holder of an 800-855 number acquired by merger, acquisition or other means must use the number consistent with these guidelines. 5.4.3 An 800-855 holder must participate in the audit process (see Section 8.1). Failure to participate in an audit shall preclude the assignment of additional 800-855 numbers, may trigger other corrective action, and will be considered as having failed an audit. 5.4.4 An 800-855 number assigned to an entity, either directly by the number administrator or through transfer from another entity, should be placed in service within 12 months after the number is obtained. If the assignee or holder no longer has a need for the number, the number should be returned to the number administrator for reassignment. See Section 7. 5.4.5 If it is determined through the audit process or other means that a number is not in use 12 months after assignment or transfer, or is not used in accordance with the Guidelines as determined by the number administrator, the number administrator will request the return of the number. See Section 7. 5.5 If a service provider goes out of business or is no longer providing the services for which the 800-855 number was assigned, the number must be returned to the number administrator for reassignment. See Section 7. 6.0 Responsibilities of Number Administrator The 800-855 number administrator shall perform the following functions: 6.1 Provide copies of the 800-855 Number Assignment Guidelines when requested by applicants, including timely notification of changes and provide assistance in the number application process. 6.2 Respond in writing within 10 working days from the date of receipt of an application either by requesting more information or approving or denying the applicant's request. 6.2.1 In cases where a number request is denied, identify specific reasons for the denial, and refer the applicant to the Appeals Process, Section 10, of the guidelines. 6.3 Track the receipt of number requests and assign 800-855 numbers on a first come, first served basis using the criteria in Section 4. 6.4 Upon receipt of the request form (Attachment A), determine if the request is in compliance with number assignment principles and criteria as set forth in these guidelines and, if appropriate, determine the number to be assigned. 6.4.1 Based on the availability of numbers, attempt to assign the preferred number as requested by the applicant. 6.5 Treat information supplied by the applicant as confidential and do not disclose that information to any unauthorized personnel. 6.6 After assignment of an 800-855 number, advise NASC of the assignment and request that NASC associate the 800-855 number assigned with the appropriate RESP ORG (most often the entity requesting the assignment). The information provided to NASC should include, at a minimum, the RESP ORG contact name, telephone number and their identification number, if available. 6.7 Maintain, update and make available upon request records on 800-855 number assignments and resource availability. 6.8 Conduct periodic audits of number holders/applicants to determine if the numbers are being used in accordance with the guidelines and if number conservation procedures are being followed, see Section 8, Number Conservation. 6.9 In cases of inappropriate use of 800-855 numbers according to these guidelines, where reclamation of numbers might be appropriate, see Section 7. 6.10 Upon return of a number, the number administrator will notify NASC. 6.11 Perform the code reclamation procedures as outlined in Section 7, as needed. 7.0 Reclamation Procedures 7.1 Assignee Responsibility The entity to which a 800 855 number(s) has been assigned shall return the 800 855 number(s) to its administrator if: * It is no longer needed by the entity for the purpose for which it was originally assigned * The service it was assigned for is discontinued, or * The 800 855 number(s) was not activated by the INC-established activation date. In the latter case, the assignee may apply to the administrator for an extension date. Such an extension request must include the reason for the delay and a new activation time commitment. 7.2 Administrator Responsibility * The 800 855 number administrator will contact any 800 855 number assignee(s) identified as not having returned to the administrator for reassignment of any 800 855 number(s): - Assigned, but no longer in use by the assignee(s), - Assigned to a service no longer offered, - Assigned, but not activated by the INC-established date, or - Assigned but not used in conformance with these assignment guidelines. The administrator will seek clarification from the assignee(s) regarding the alleged non-use or misuse. If the assignee(s) provides an explanation satisfactory to the administrator, and in conformance with these assignment guidelines the 800 855 number(s) will remain assigned. If no satisfactory explanation is provided, the administrator will request a letter from the assignee(s) returning the assigned 800 855 number(s). If a direct contact can not be made with the assignee(s) to effect the above process a registered letter will be sent to the assignee(s) address of record requesting that they contact the administrator within 30 days regarding the alleged 800 855 number(s) non-use or misuse. If the letter is returned as non-delivered the administrator will advise the INC that the 800 855 number(s) will be made available for re- assignment following the established idle period, if any unless the INC advises otherwise within 30 days. * The 800 855 number administrator will refer to the INC for resolution any instance where a 800 855 number(s) has not been returned for reassignment by the assignee if: - The 800 855 number(s) has not been activated by the INC established date. - A previously activated 800 855 number is not now in use. - An activated 800 855 number(s) is not being used in accordance with these assignment guidelines. * If a 800 855 number is not activated by the INC-established date and the administrator determines, by discussion with the 800 855 number assignee(s), that the reason for the non-activation is not within the control of the assignee(s), the administrator may extend the INC-established activation date by up to 90 days. * The 800 855 number administrator will receive, process and refer to the INC for resolution any application from 800 855 number(s) assignees for an extension on an INC-established 800 855 number activation date when the: - Activation has not occurred within the 90 day extension, - Administrator believes that the activation has not occurred due to reason within the assignee's control, or - Assignee requests an extension in excess of 90 days. Referral to INC will include the offered reason why the extension is requested, a new proposed activation date, and the administrator's recommended action. The 800 855 administrator will make all returned resources available for assignment following the established idle time, if any. 7.3 INC Responsibilities The INC will: - Accept all referrals of alleged non-use or misuse of 800 855 number(s) from the resource administrator or any other entity, by referring issues to the Resource Management Workshop - Investigate the referral, - Review referrals in the context of these assignment guidelines, - Attempt to resolve the referral, and - Direct the 800 855 number administrator regarding the action, if any, to be taken. Absent a consensus resolution of the referral or non compliance to the resolution by the 800 855 assignee, the case will be referred by INC via the CLC process, to the appropriate regulatory body for resolution. 8.0 Number Conservation The assignment of 800-855 numbering resources in NANP Area is undertaken with the following conservation objectives: a) To efficiently and effectively administer/manage a limited NANP resource through conservation. b) To delay the eventual exhaust of the 800-855 number resource. 8.1 The number administrator will track and monitor 800-855 number assignments. Ongoing practices which foster conservation shall include the following: 8.1.1 The number administrator may conduct periodic audits of 800-855 numbers assigned to verify their use is consistent with these guidelines, e.g., 800-855 should not support regular voice communications, rather they should permit communications only intended for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired. In the periodic audits, the number administrator will expect to review at least the following information to demonstrate the 800-855 numbers are being used properly: - Use of the number for hearing or speech impaired services. - The activation date of each assigned number. - In-service status of an 800-855 number. 8.2 Audit results may be used to accomplish the following: 8.2.1 Identify and recommend to the appropriate organization, i.e., Industry Numbering Committee (INC), specific corrective actions that may be necessary, e.g., modifications to the 800-855 guidelines. 8.2.2 Return of an 800-855 number (either voluntarily or by the appropriate regulatory action). 8.2.3 Assignment of a denied number request. 9.0 Maintenance of Guidelines It may be necessary to modify these assignment guidelines periodically to meet changing circumstances. The INC is currently the group responsible for reviewing and concurring on any modifications to these guidelines. Recommended changes or modifications to the guidelines should be referred to the INC. 10.0 Appeals Process 10.1 Disagreements may arise between the number administrator and 800-855 number holders/applicants in the context of the administration of these guidelines. In all cases, the number administrator and 800-855 number holders/applicants will make reasonable, good faith efforts to resolve such disagreements consistent with the guidelines prior to pursuing any appeal. 10.2 Appeals of a number request denial may include but are not limited to one or more of the following options: * The 800-855 number holder/applicant will have the opportunity to resubmit the matter to the number administrator for reconsideration with or without additional input. * Guidelines interpretation/clarification questions may be referred to the INC. Unless otherwise mutually agreed to by the parties, these questions will be submitted in a generic manner protecting the identity of the appellant. * The 800-855 number holder/applicant may pursue the disagreement with the appropriate governmental/regulatory body. * Requests for modification of the guidelines can be pursued as described in Section 9 of the guidelines. 11.0 Glossary Certify * When used by the applicant): As part of the 800-855 Assignment request, to confirm, through a formal statement signed by the applicant or an authorized representative, that the information contained within the assignment request is true, accurate, and complete to the best of his/her knowledge. (When used by the regulator): Where applicable, to authorize, in writing, an entity to provide a telecommunications service for the hearing or speech impaired in the relevant geographic area. Such authorization is the responsibility of the appropriate regulatory agency. Conservation Consideration given to the efficient and effective use of a finite numbering resource in order to minimize the cost and need to expand its availability, while at the same time allowing the maximum flexibility in the introduction of new services, capabilities and features. INC Industry Numbering Committee, a standing committee of the Industry Carriers Compatibility Forum (ICCF) that provides an open forum to address and resolve industry-wide issues associated with the planning, administration, allocation, assignment and use of numbering resources and related dialing considerations for public telecommunications within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area. In Service An active 800-855 number in which specific subscribers or services are actively utilizing assigned telephone numbers. NANP Area Consists of the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the NANP Caribbean administrations. (Replaces World Zone 1 in all documents) NANPA North American Numbering Plan Administration. With divestiture, key responsibilities for coordination and administration of the North American Numbering/Dialing Plans were assigned to NANPA. These central administration functions are exercised in an impartial manner toward all industry segments while balancing the utilization of a limited resource. Number Administrator Entity responsible for the administration of the 800-855 number resource, i.e., NANPA. Number Holder The entity to whom an 800-855 number has been assigned for use in providing services to hearing or speech impaired individuals. RESP ORG The responsible organization is the entity identified by the 800 subscriber or the 800 subscriber's agent that assumes the duty of managing and administering the appropriate records in the 800/SMS system which include Data Entry, Record Change, Trouble Acceptance, Referral and/or Clearance. Telecommunications Relay Service/Message Relay Service (TRS/MRS) TRS (US) or MRS (Canada) is a telephone transmission service that provides the ability for an individual who is deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired to engage in communication by wire or radio with a hearing individual in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of an individual who is not deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired. Text Telephone (TTY) Text Telephones, also known as telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDDs), is a non-voice or computer terminal used by persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired to communicate with other TTY users or through TRS/MRS systems to non-hearing impaired persons. 800/SMS 800/Service Management System is the main operations support system of the 800 Data Base Access Service. It is used to create and update subscriber 800 records that are then downloaded to Service Control Points (SCPs) for handling subscribers' 800 calls.