FCC Report And Order On Numbering Resource Optimization.pdf

I. INTRODUCTION
The Commission adopts a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to optimize numbering resources. The Order addresses monitoring number usage for efficiency, number conservation through thousands-block number pooling, and other potential pooling mechanisms.

II. BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The Commission has been monitoring number usage to ensure efficient use of numbering resources. The Order establishes definitions for number category usage, including assigned, intermediate, reserved, aging, administrative, and available numbers. Reporting is mandatory, and data elements for forecast and utilization reporting are specified.

III. MONITORING NUMBER USAGE FOR EFFICIENCY
The Commission requires carriers to report number usage, including geographic scope and granularity of reporting. State commissions have access to data, but confidentiality is ensured. Enforcement mechanisms are established, and verification of need for numbers is required.

IV. NUMBER CONSERVATION THROUGH THOUSANDS-BLOCK NUMBER POOLING
The Order requires LNP-capable carriers to participate in thousands-block number pooling, which involves telephone number pooling and thousands-block number pooling. Non-LNP-capable carriers are exempt, but may participate voluntarily. A utilization threshold is established for non-LNP-capable carriers.

V. OTHER POTENTIAL POOLING MECHANISMS
The Commission considers other potential pooling mechanisms, including sequential number assignment and reclamation of numbering resources.

VI. OTHER ISSUES
The Order addresses sequential number assignment and reclamation of numbering resources.

VII. FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING
The Commission seeks comment on utilization threshold, implementation of pooling for non-LNP-capable carriers, pricing for numbers, and recovery of shared industry and direct carrier-specific costs.

VIII. PROCEDURAL MATTERS
The Commission sets comment filing procedures and ex parte presentation rules.