Decision CRTC 2001-365
Reference: 8698-C12-15/01
Ottawa, 20 June 2001
To: CISC Canadian Steering Committee on Numbering (CSCN) distribution list, and potential competitive local exchange carriers
Re: Assignment of central office codes following relief of an area code
1. On 6 April 2001, the Commission issued a letter stating its preliminary position that, following the implementation of relief in an area code that had undergone jeopardy code conservation measures, a reasonable number of central office (CO) codes from the original area code should be set aside for use by future new entrants for a period of two years. With the exception of those CO codes set aside for use by future new entrants, all other remaining CO codes, would be made available for assignment on a first come, first served basis according to the criteria set out in the Canadian Central Office (NXX) Code Assignment Guidelines.
2. Based on the comments received in response to the 6 April 2001 letter, the Commission considers that the establishment of a distinct pool of CO codes is appropriate under certain circumstances. The need for such a pool is particularly important where area code relief is provided using the overlay method. An area code under a jeopardy condition that is relieved using the overlay method is likely to exhaust entirely within a very short period of time following relief. Therefore, special measures are required to administer the remaining numbering resources.
3. In its 6 April 2001 letter, the Commission proposed to meet the need for CO codes from the original area code by setting aside codes for future new entrants. Certain interveners argued that the term, "future new entrants" might not be competitively neutral. In the Commission's view, the term is neutral in that it could be applied equally to any type of carrier or any other future holder of CO codes. However, the Commission does concur, with the opinion expressed by interveners, that establishing a suitable working definition of future new entrants could pose some difficulties.
4. The Commission notes that no party has identified a reason why the growth needs of existing service providers cannot be met with numbering resources from the new area code. The only situation where there is a clearly identified need for resources from an original area code is in the case of a service provider entering a particular exchange for the first time.
5. The Commission concludes that the proposed pool of CO codes will be made accessible to any carrier applying for an initial code in a particular exchange. The Commission directs that, following the introduction of a new area code using the overlay method to an existing area code:
a) a pool of CO codes be set aside for assignment to any carrier requesting an initial code, as described by the Canadian Central Office (NXX) Code Assignment Guidelines, for a particular exchange. CO codes assigned from this pool should not be replaced. This pool will be maintained for a period of only two years following the introduction of a new area code to avoid an undue impact on the exhaust of the new area code. Where such a pool exists, all initial code assignments shall be made from the pool. In cases where the Commission has not established the number of CO codes for this special pool, the appropriate CISC Ad Hoc Relief Planning Committee may make a recommendation to the Commission via the CISC process with regard to the number of CO codes for the pool; and
b) all other CO codes remaining in the original area code and that are not part of the pool set aside for use as initial codes may be assigned using the normal administrative procedures set out in the Canadian Central Office (NXX) Code Assignment Guidelines.
6. This method provides clear criteria for the Canadian Numbering Administrator to assign resources from this pool, ensures that each carrier has at least a minimum level of access to resources in the original area code and aligns more closely with existing assignment guidelines. In particular, the criteria used to apply for an initial code comprise an existing industry standard and therefore balance the needs of competing and incumbent carriers.
7. Although some interveners expressed concerns that the establishment of any pool would require changes to the existing guidelines, the Commission concludes that the situation addressed in this decision lies outside the scope of the existing guidelines. Future revisions of the guidelines should refer to this determination, but no portion of the existing guidelines needs to be altered or rescinded as a result of this decision.
8. The Commission notes that area codes 416 and 905 meet the criteria developed for the establishment of the pool described in this decision. The Commission therefore directs that:
a) Ten CO codes from area code 416 be placed into a pool for assignment to any carrier applying for an initial code in area code 416 prior to 5 March 2003. Any other remaining CO codes in area code 416 would be available for assignment according to the normal procedures set out in the Canadian Central Office (NXX) Code Assignment Guidelines; and
b) Thirty CO codes from area code 905 be placed into this pool for assignment to any carrier applying for an initial code in area code 905 prior to 9 June 2003. Any other remaining CO codes in area code 905 would be available for assignment according to the normal procedures set out in the Canadian Central Office Code (NXX) Assignment Guidelines.
Sincerely,
Ursula Menke
Secretary General
c.c.: Brenda Stevens (819) 953-8882
Sheehan Carter (819) 997-4555
Date Modified: 2001-06-20
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