Numbers, Spectrum and Rights of Way
To ensure a level playing field for all providers and users of communication networks and services, it is important to guarantee non-discriminatory access to a range of resources that are essential for the provision of these networks and services, namely telephone numbers, short codes, IP addresses, Internet domain names, protocol parameter and port numbers, radio frequencies (see radio spectrum policy website) and rights of way. While these resources may be in theory adequate, technological and organizational restrictions may create temporary scarcity. Efficient management is necessary to prevent or solve temporary scarcity, to ensure efficient use and to organize the assignment of the resources to individual users, service or network providers.
Moreover, for all these resources, except rights of way, international cooperation and coordination is essential given the global character of electronic communication networks. Organizations involved in the international and regional coordination of the allocation and assignment of numbers and frequencies are ITU and CEPT (insert link to International aspects chapter). For international co-ordination of IP address allocation and of top-level domain names ICANN fulfils these functions. IP address block allocation in this region is carried out by RIPE NCC.
At the national level, the Framework Directive requires Member States to entrust national regulatory authorities that are independent from network or service providers, with the tasks of managing national numbering and frequency plans and assigning numbers and frequencies. Frequency plans and numbering plans must be published and any envisaged changes to these plans should be preceded by public consultations.
Last update: 02/02/2007