The Commerce Commission today released its draft report for the study into telecommunications numbering. Numbering refers to the use of telephone numbers in the supply of telecommunications services.

The study identifies the current international approach to numbering administration by examining the experiences and policies of mainly OECD countries that have been engaged in numbering reforms. The Commission's report includes numbering principles and administration, allocation rules and procedures, usage rules and the role of numbers in a next generation network environment. In addition, it compares international best practice with the New Zealand regime.

The Telecommunications Commissioner Dr Ross Patterson said, "Numbering has acquired important economic and social dimensions with the rise of competition over the years. Many jurisdictions have developed strategic principles and procedures in managing the utilisation of this scarce resource, which is recognised as a key element in promoting competition for the long-term benefit of end-users."

International best practice clearly reflects that:

· the national numbering plan is a national resource;

· numbering should be managed in the overall national interest; and

· numbering allocation and use should be objective, timely, transparent and non-discriminatory.

In light of the drivers identified for this study, the Commission's initial view is that the following elements should also be present in a best practice number administration regime:

· technological flexibility;

· efficiency in managing demand;

· effectiveness in meeting end-user expectations; and

· capacity to support emergency services.

The Commission's preliminary analysis shows that the current New Zealand numbering regime does not meet best practice standards.

The Commission has issued the paper for consultation. Submissions received will assist the Commission in making its final assessment of the state of New Zealand's numbering regime. The closing date for providing feedback is 19 September 2008. Following this period of consultation, the Commission will prepare the final report which it expects to deliver by 30 September 2008.

A copy of the draft report can be found on the Commerce Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under Number Management Study.

Background

Numbering Framework is the instrument that sets out the number allocation rules for each category of numbers for the supply of telecommunications services.

Section 9A of the Telecommunications Act 2001. This study is conducted under Section 9A which empowers the Commission to conduct, among other things, studies including international benchmarking into any matter relating to the telecommunications industry or the long-term benefit of end-users of telecommunications services within New Zealand. The Commission issued the terms of reference for the numbering management study on 6 June 2008.