|
ACMA Assigns New VoIP Numbers |
|
|
|
Written by Adam Gosling
|
|
Monday, 30 April 2007 |
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has introduced a
new, location-independent telecommunications service category type with
its very own number range designed to "facilitate the introduction of
innovative communications services".
ACMA has amended the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 (the Numbering Plan) to create the new service type and the 0550 number range, as foreshadowed by the Communications Minister, Senator Coonan in November 2005 and then later by the ACMA in its December 2005 proposal.
"The new service type and the 0550 number range provide greater
flexibility for industry to innovate in the provision of telephone
services but in a way that should also provide consumers with clearer
signals about the extent to which their service will resemble a
traditional telephone service. This is important because emerging voice
services may function in different ways to traditional telephone
services," said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
Although the new service category and number range was initially
envisioned for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) the ACMA rightly
points out that "as next generation networks are built and software and
devices continue to evolve, it can be expected that innovation will
broaden further".
As foreshadowed also, under the new arrangements, service providers
will actually have a choice of number ranges. If they want to provide
something much like a traditional fixed line telephony service they can
use the regular geographic numbers, or diversify to the new 0550 number
range.
If a service offers features that depart significantly from those
traditionally expected of telephone services, then ACMA expects these
will be offered only on the 0550 number range. In particular, 0550 will
be suitable in cases where a telephone service is not fixed to a
particular location. ACMA has included a set of guidelines in the
Numbering Plan that are intended to assist carriage service providers
in selecting the appropriate number range for the provision of IP-based
services.
As part of this new approach ACMA intends to more actively
monitor compliance with regard to the use of geographic numbers for
local services by carriage service providers. In the first instance,
ACMA intends to provide information and advice to IP service providers
to assist them in meeting their obligations as carriage service
providers. In addition, ACMA will also make available information to
consumers about the new number range.
"As new services become available, ACMA expects to continue working
with organisations such as the Communications Alliance to ensure that
appropriate information is available," said Chapman.
The changes will take effect from 31 May 2007. A copy of the Numbering Plan variation and guidelines can be obtained on ACMA's website.
Related news items Newer news items
Older news items
|
|
|
|
