Forecasting number runout
The ACMA is responsible for the administration of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 (the Plan). The Plan provides the structure and policies by which telephone number allocation, issue and use is governed. The ACMA manages the geographic numbering resource so as to ensure that end-users have access to a local telephone service and that the telecommunication industry has access to an adequate supply of numbers with which customers can access its networks and services. As demand on the numbering resource increases through population growth, the introduction of new technologies and services, and the high rate of telephony penetration in Australia, the ACMA manages the numbering resource so as to ensure that supplies are sufficient to meet the current and future numbering needs of Australia.
The former ACA as part of its responsibilities under the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 began the process of developing improved geographic number utilisation forecasting and planning techniques to facilitate more efficient use of this valuable resource.
This process is undertaken to assist in the efficient and effective allocation of geographic numbers to carriage service providers. In addition the process will assist in identifying the need for conservation strategies for specific number ranges close to exhaustion, and the need for additional number ranges. Special allocation arrangements apply to protection and watch areas.
Protection areas
The former ACA recognised a number of areas throughout Australia where specific geographic number ranges will be approaching exhaustion during the next two years, and has initiated procedures to contend with the problematic ranges. Number ranges approaching exhaustion in the next 18 months have been identified and are classified as Protection Areas. Specifically, the following Protection Areas have been identified:
|
Prefix |
Region |
Volume of Numbers | Amount Allocated | % Allocated | Amount Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (03) 62 | Geeveston, Hobart, Oatlands, Ouse | 1,000,000 | 933,000 | 93% | 67,000 |
Note: This data was last updated on 20 October 2004
Number watch areas
The former ACA instituted a system whereby areas which are in danger of running out of numbers in the next 18 months to 5 years, are identified. These ranges are classified as number watch areas. Number watch areas may be upgraded to protection areas if the need to do so becomes apparent. The utilisation of information from carriage service providers assists in determining if there is a need to upgrade Number Watch Areas to Protection Areas.
|
Prefix |
Region |
Volume of Numbers |
Amount Allocated |
% Allocated |
Amount Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (02) 66 | Casino, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Kyogle, Lismore, Murwillumbah | 1,000,000 | 848,000 | 85% | 152,000 |
| (02) 88, 98 | West Sector of Sydney Standard Zone Unit, Parramatta and Blacktown Standard Zone Units | 2,000,000 | 1,772,000 | 89% | 228,000 |
| (03) 51 | Bairnsdale, Morwell, Sale | 1,000,000 | 876,000 | 88% | 124,000 |
| (03) 83, 93 | West Sector of Melbourne Standard Zone Unit; Craigieburn, Sydenham and Point Cook Standard Zone Units | 2,000,000 | 1,620,000 | 81% | 380,000 |
| (03) 86, 96 | City Centre Sector of Melbourne Standard Zone Unit | 2,000,000 | 1,660,000 | 83% | 340,000 |
| (07) 47 | Cloncurry, Hughenden, Townsville | 1,000,000 | 857,000 | 86% | 143,000 |
| (08) 96 | York, Wongan Hills, Moora, Northam, Wyalkatchem | 1,000,000 | 781,000 | 78% | 219,000 |
Note: This data was last updated on 22 October 2004
