The Spanish Competition Authority, known as CNMC, has analyzed two regulatory proposals from the Ministry for Digital Transformation aimed at optimizing the management of public numbering resources.

One proposal focuses on geographic numbering, which is currently divided between fixed public telephone services and nomadic voice services. The CNMC suggests eliminating geographic numbering for nomadic services, which have a limited market presence, and reallocating these numbers to fixed public telephone services. This change is expected to increase the availability of geographic numbers in provinces facing shortages.

The CNMC has also proposed a six-month transition period for operators to adapt their services to these changes. Additionally, it recommends that subscribers must prove a residence within the geographic area of the assigned number.

The second proposal emphasizes the need for specific numbering for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, which are crucial for the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected vehicles. The CNMC supports the exclusive use of a specific numbering range for M2M services starting July 2026, phasing out the use of mobile numbering for these services by 2031.

These measures are designed to prevent inefficient use of mobile numbering and ensure sufficient capacity for future growth in connected services. The CNMC will oversee the implementation of these measures within its competencies.