The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) has introduced new criteria for the authorization process of fixed numbering suballocations, aimed at reducing inefficiencies and improving flexibility for operators.

Telecommunication service operators register with the CNMC to request blocks of numbering. Reselling operators can access fixed numbering suballocations, which require prior authorization from the CNMC. As the demand for fixed numbering suballocations, particularly geographic ones, continues to rise, the CNMC has decided to revise the existing criteria to streamline the process.

Previously, suballocations were authorized in blocks of 100 numbers, which were recorded in the Register. The new approach allows suballocation for each assigning operator and their resellers for a type of fixed numbering without specifying the exact numbers to be suballocated. The assigning operator will later report the actual numbers suballocated.

This change is expected to reduce the administrative burden on operators and enhance the efficiency of numbering usage by eliminating the rigid structure of 100-number blocks that caused inefficiencies.

To monitor fixed numbering suballocations, assigning operators will periodically send information regarding the suballocated numbers and the resellers involved. The CNMC will also publish an updated list of authorized operators for service resale, detailing which operators can suballocate and the type of fixed numbering.

The proposals aim to expedite the process for operators, reduce inefficiencies, and improve flexibility in fixed numbering suballocation while maintaining transparency and proper resource management. A transitional period ending on July 31, 2024, will allow operators to continue using the previous criteria or adopt the new ones.