The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is currently reviewing the Telecommunications Numbering Plan and its related instruments.

Executive Summary

The document begins with an executive summary highlighting the significance of telephone numbers as a crucial public resource for facilitating communication across networks within the telecommunications sector.

Legislative Framework

The current legislative framework is discussed, including the 2015 Telecommunications Numbering Plan and various determinations related to the preselection and portability of services.

Context and Need for Review

There have been significant changes in the services provided by carriage service providers (CSPs) and in consumer demand since the inception of the Numbering Plan in 2015. Furthermore, the Numbering Plan and two associated determinations are set to sunset on April 1st, 2025. This review creates an opportunity to amend the legislation to foster effective and efficient numbering arrangements within the dynamic telecommunications environment.

Key Issues Identified

The discussion paper addresses issues identified in a prior scoping exercise with stakeholders, including:

• Incorporating technical innovations such as VoIP and IoT
• Clarifying rules around numbering use
• Updating number types to better reflect contemporary usage
• Changing rules for smartnumbers
• Introducing new number ranges as supply is depleting

Stakeholders are encouraged to share their comments and insights on these proposed updates to help shape the future of Australia’s telecommunications numbering system.

Regulatory Impact

• Top Priority: Yes
• Type Certificate: No
• Spectrum Bands: No
• Import Changes HS Codes: No
• Standard Changes: Yes
• Product Changes: No
• Label Changes: No

Link to Source - https://www.acma.gov.au/articles/2024-05/acma-invites-comments-australias-telecommunications-numbering-plan