Maryland 410/443 NPA Jeopardy Procedures Finalized 

NANPA has finalized Jeopardy procedures for the 410/443 NPA in Maryland. NXX code rationing is set at one code per month, and 10 codes have been set aside for the Pooling Administrator. The final procedure went into effect September 21, 2011.

For details on the allocation process, go to www.nanpa.com.

NANPA Planning Letter (PL) Number 426 – Toronto, Canada – NPA 437 to Overlay NPA 416/647

All local calls will continue to be dialed with 10 digits when new area code 437 is implemented on March 25, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. NPA 437 will be used as a distributed overlay for NPA 416/647.

Network testing begins January 7, 2013. For test numbers and a map of the affected area, go to www.nanpa.com.

Updated Jeopardy Procedure – CA 408 NPA

An Updated Jeopardy Procedure for the California 408 NPA is now on the NANPA website. The extension of 408 area code rationing was announced earlier this week.

The updated document can be found at www.nanpa.com.

Universal Service Contributions Likely to Increase in Q4

The FCC has proposed increasing the fourth quarter 2011 universal service contribution factor to 15.3 percent. A Public Notice released September 13^th projects demand for service will exceed collected revenues. 

The proposed rate is nearly one percent higher than last quarter’s contribution factor of 14.4 percent, but not as high as first quarter’s rate of 15.5 percent.

If the Commission does not take any action within 14 days of release of the Public Notice, the new rate will become effective. 

Click here to read the notice.

Maryland 410/443 NPA in Jeopardy

NANPA has declared Jeopardy status for the 410/443 NPA complex in Maryland.

Interim Jeopardy procedures are in effect and NXX code assignments will be rationed starting October 1, 2011. According to NANPA, final Jeopardy procedures will be announced in September 2011.

For more details on the interim procedures, go to www.nanpa.com.

Rationing of California 408 NPA Extended

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will ration the 408 NPA to two NXX codes per month starting September 9, 2011. A lottery will determine the assignments.  

NANPA revised its forecasted exhaust for the 408 area code from the first quarter of 2013 to the fourth quarter of 2012.

Currently, the 408 NPA has 24 codes available for assignment. A decision on introducing a new area code will not be made before October 6, 2011.

DOJ Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against AT&T

The Department of Justice today filed an antitrust lawsuit to stop AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile. 

The proposed $39 billion purchase would have merged two of the four largest wireless service providers in the country. Both companies compete in 97 of the largest 100 cellular markets.

In a press release, Deputy Attorney General James Cole said, “The combination of AT&T and T-Mobile would result in tens of millions of consumers all across the United States facing higher prices, fewer choices and lower quality products for mobile wireless services.” 

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski’s statement indicates his agency also had concerns about the merger. Read his statement here.

Click here to read the DOJ press release.

NANPA Planning Letter (PL) Number 425 – Western Quebec – NPA Code 873 to Overlay NPA 819

Implementation of NPA 873 in Western Quebec, Canada, has been changed to 9/15/2012. The new date advances introduction of the new area code by nearly nine months. 

The relief method stays the same, with a distributed overlay of NPA 873 over area code 819. All local calls will continue to be dialed with 10 digits.

Network testing begins 6/17/2012. For testing numbers and a map of the affected area, go to www.nanpa.com.

FCC Announces Plan to Advance Deployment of NG9-1-1 

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski released a five-step plan of action that aims to improve deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1, an IP-based emergency communications system. The current model, E9-1-1, has been around since the 1970’s and operates on a circuit-switched system.  

The steps include:

      1. Develop location accuracy mechanisms for NG911

      2. Enable consumers to send text, photos, and videos to Public Safety    

          Answering Points (PSAPs)

      3. Facilitate the completion and implementation of NG911 technical   
          standards

      4. Develop a NG911 governance framework

      5. Develop an NG911 Funding Model

As part of the process, the FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) next month.

Here’s a link to the FCC’s fact sheet.

NANPA Planning Letter (PL) Number 424 – NPA 566 for Personal Communications Services  

Assignment of NPA 566 for Personal Communications Services (PCS) has now been added to the NANPA website.

NANPA assigned the 566 NPA for PCS, because the supply of 5YY NXXs is expected to run out in late 2011 or early 2012.

NANPA assigned 423 5YY codes from January 1 through August 1, 2011. As of August 5, there are 395 available. 

A date has not been set for activation of NPA 566. 

For more information, visit www.nanpa.com.