FCC to Examine Impact of VoIP, New Services on Numbering System

The FCC will host a symposium n Thursday, Nov. 4 to examine the impact of emerging technologies on the nation's telephone numbering system.



The FCC said that in the face of increased demand for numbers for cell phones, fax machines and new local competitors, it has implemented policies designed to extend the life of the numbering system. By working with state commissions and the telecommunications industry, the FCC substantially increased the estimated life of the system, known as the North American Numbering Plan. But emerging new technologies, such as VoIP, raise new demand for numbers and new challenges. Among those challenges are "portable" VoIP services that use the same number no matter where the customer is located geographically. The symposium is entitled "The Future of Numbering: Will New Technologies, Innovations and Services Affect Number Administration and Optimization." Questions for the panels can be e-mailed in advance or during the symposium to FutureOfNumbering@fcc.gov. http://www.fcc.gov