NUMBERING.

On July 14, PCIA asked the FCC for a 90-day extension of the Aug. 1 filing deadline for the Numbering Resource Utilization/Forecast Report (FCC Form 502). Joining PCIA in filing the motion for extension of time were the Association for Local Telecommunications Services (ALTS) and the Competitive Telecommunications Association (CompTel).

The survey will provide the FCC, the states and the North American Number Plan Administrator (NANPA) with utilization and forecast data regarding the way carriers use numbers and will serve as the basis for future numbering policy making. The requested extension would improve the accuracy of the data, speed the development and implementation of carrier reporting systems and reduce the costs and administration burdens imposed by the survey. PCIA recommended that the FCC provide more guidance on the reporting requirements by hosting workshops and publishing responses to questions about the reporting requirements.

A 90-day extension is of particular importance because the first round of reporting will form the foundation for subsequent reports and future numbering optimization measures. Incomplete or inaccurate data would undermine this process.

"We are delighted that ALTS and CompTel joined us in this effort," said PCIA President Jay Kitchen. "This is an important issue that affects all telecommunications carriers. It is crucial that numbering data be accurate and that it be collected and transmitted to NANPA efficiently. For the wireless industry especially, with regional and national systems, efficient data collection and transmission is of primary importance. The additional time is needed to make this process work for carriers, the states and the FCC."

In a related numbering matter, on July 17 PCIA filed a petition for clarification and reconsideration in the numbering resource optimization proceeding. PCIA said that the clarifications and modifications it suggested should lead to even more efficient ...