Are you a VoIP service provider?

THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS and Media Authority (ACMA) recently approved changes to the Telecommunications Numbering Plan, which directly affect VoIP service providers. The plan sets out the rules for telephone numbers and carriage services in Australia.

ACMA has amended the Numbering Plan to specify a new number range of 0550, which will be specifically used for IP-based services that are location independent. Under these new arrangements, ACMA will monitor the use of geographic numbers for VoIP services to ensure the appropriate number range is used.

The new service type and the 0550 number range enable greater flexibility for innovation in providing telephone services, but will give consumers clearer signals about the extent to which a service resembles a traditional telephone service.

Under the new arrangements, service providers will have a choice of number ranges. If a provider wishes to offer a traditional fixed telephone service or a service that is a close substitute, it will still be able to access geographic numbers ie those beginning with 02, 03, 07 and 08.

If a service offers features that depart significantly from those traditionally expected of telephone services, it should be offered on the 0550 range. In particular, 0550 will be suitable in cases where a telephone service is not fixed to a particular location.

Information and advice will be provided to VoIP service providers to assist them in meeting their obligations as carriage service providers, while information will also be provided to consumers about the new number range. As new services are developed, ACMA will work with organisations such as Communications Alliance to ensure that appropriate information is available.

ACMA is committed to providing practical information and advice to help you understand these changes and meet your obligations as a service provider. For more information about the new number range, visit ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au/voip, email numbering@acma.gov.au or phone (02) 9245 4042.

By the Australian Communications and Media Authority