Comms Alliance proposes industry managed numbering

The Communications Alliance has proposed the industry take control of Australia's telecommunications numbering arrangements from communications regulator ACMA.

In a new consultation paper, the peak body representing Australia's telecommunications industry called on the government to deregulate the numbering allocation system to improve efficiency and streamline processes.

Under the proposal, the industry would take over a range of responsibilities, including the allocation of new fixed and mobile numbers as well as the provisions for smart numbers, such as personalised 13 numbers for businesses.

Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton said the proposal “has the potential to deliver greater efficiencies for the industry and a better experience for Australian telecommunications consumers”.

But he added that adoption of the scheme will depend on both an act of parliament and the Alliance reaching agreements with existing service providers in charge of the numbering scheme, including ACMA, ZOAK Solutions, Paradigm.One and Industry Numbering Management Services (INMS).

The Communications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation and Other Measures) Bill 2017 is currently before parliament.

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