The Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC) supports the implementation of Local Number Portability and is the system used to facilitate number porting in the United States. Comprised of seven regional systems across the U.S., the NPAC manages the number portability processes of all telecom Service Providers in the United States, including wireline, wireless, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
iconectiv is the Local Number Portability Administrator (LNPA) for all U.S. regions.
iconectiv will provide the user data to authorized Providers of Telecom-Related Services (PTRS) users, including users based in Canada.
LNP stands for Local Number Portability. You may also hear it referred to as number portability or number porting. Mobile number portability (MNP) or wireless number portability (WNP) refer to a type of LNP related to wireless or mobile numbers.
LNP was created as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to give consumers the choice and convenience of keeping their wireline or wireless telephone number when switching from one service provider to another. Prior to LNP, consumers were required to get a new telephone number every time they switched service providers. Note that for wireline numbers, there are some geographical limitations to the consumer’s ability to porting their number.
For more technical information regarding how LNP works, click here
In 1995 and 1996, several states began the process of selecting the architecture to be used for LNP in their respective states.
After considerable discussion and deliberation, AT&T/Lucent Technologies' Location Routing Number (LRN) architecture was selected. (The LRN method became the industry standard and later was adopted by the FCC in 1997.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 provided a pro-competitive, de-regulated national policy framework designed to open local telecommunications markets to competition.
The FCC issued its First Report and Order (adopted June 27, 1996) in Docket 95-116 providing the regulatory framework for LNP. Other LNP-related FCC Orders and Code of Federal Regulations are posted at the LNPA WG website.
Currently, eligible users include authorized service providers and authorized Providers of Telecom Related Services (PTRS). To register to become an authorized NPAC user, click here.
LRN stands for Location Routing Number, a unique 10-digit telephone number assigned to each switch to support call routing. The LRN serves as the network address and includes the area code (NPA) and central office code (NXX) for a telephone number. The assignment of a LRN to telephone numbers allows for LNP.
While NPAC User Data is restricted to authorized NPAC users only, the NPA-NXX associated with an LRN is available to non-NPAC users. For a list of companies that will supply this information to non-NPAC users, click here
A SPID (service provider ID) is a unique four-character alphanumeric value that is assigned by the LNPA to an NPAC User. The SPID is a key data element for most NPAC related activities, including porting, to identify the NPAC User. Each NPAC User may have one or more SPIDs. For Service Providers, their OCN will be used as their NPAC SPID. The SPID for other NPAC Users, known as Providers of Telecommunications Related Services, is determined by the LNPA. Service Providers may also request SPIDs to represent other entities, such as resellers or Mobile Virtual Network Operators. Those entities are referred to as “alternative SPID” for porting purposes.
Yes, iconectiv offers TruNumber Finder, which simplifies telephone number management, confirms customer acquisition and enhances customer service by providing a full, fast and accurate view of the information needed to trouble-shoot call-completion and telephone number porting issues.
The BFR is a written notice regarding a pending port-out request, sent from a porting-in provider to the provider of record for the end user. If this provider of record has never received a port-out request, their switch may not have been set up to port. Once the BFR has been received by provider of record, this BFR explains the time intervals in which that provider must get their network set up to honor the port. Other references are: FCC 96-286, FCC 97-074, FCC 02-16, FCC 03-126, FCC 03-237 and 47 C.F.R. § 52.23 and 52.31.
Per Title 47 C.F.R. § 52.23 (c) all local exchange carriers (LECs) must provide number portability in compliance with these regulations.
(c) All LECs must make a long-term database method for number portability available within six months after a specific request by another telecommunications carrier in areas in which that telecommunications carrier is operating or plans to operate.
The LNPA WG is a subcommittee of the NANC (North American Numbering Council), an advisory body to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). The LNPA WG was formed at the behest of the FCC to develop technical requirements for the centralized data base approach to local number portability.
Anyone can participate in the LNPA WG's meetings. However, when the LNPA WG makes a decision, it is the entities subject to local number portability regulatory mandates that drive the discussion.
The LNPA WG was given the charter by the North American Number Council (NANC) for implementing Local Number Portability (LNP) on a national level.
The LNPA WG meets monthly, alternating between conference calls and face-to-face meetings. The meeting location varies and may be anywhere in the United States. Every year or so, an LNPA WG meeting is held in Canada. A conference bridge is provided for all face-to-face meetings.
Please see Meeting Logistics for current meeting information.
The LNPA WG is an open forum sponsored by the North American Numbering Council (NANC) to facilitate the implementation of LNP. It is open to all wireline and wireless service providers, as well as all vendors. There are no requirements for joining, just show up and participate.
The LNPA WG is responsible for developing and recommending NPAC/SMS functionality requirements. New requirements are documented in the form of Change Orders. (The decision on whether to purchase a Change Order recommended by the LNPA WG is made by another body.) The LNPA WG also serves as a clearing house for issues arising due to the introduction of local number portability through its Problem Investigation Process ("PIM"). In some cases, the LNPA WG resolves the problem; in others, the LNPA WG refers the problem to another industry committee for resolution.
To subscribe to the new LNPAWG email list, visit https://maillist.numberportability.com. Create a ListServ account by clicking on “get a new LISTSERV password” and enter your email address and choose a password. Click on the list LNPAWG and then click subscribe at the right of your screen. You will receive a confirmation email with a link to complete your subscription. Please make sure your company can accept email from this domain, LNPAWG@list.numberportability.com.
If you have any questions regarding the LNPAWG distribution list send email to cma@iconectiv.numberportability.com
Telcordia Technologies, d.b.a. iconectiv
ATTN: NPAC Service Representative, 8C802H
100 Somerset Corporate Blvd., Bridgewater, NJ 08807
NPAC Service Management System (SMS) users must operate under the coverage of all applicable insurance requirements that are specified in the user agreement.
Users have two options:
No, articles of incorporation confirm that the company has been legally formed but do not provide any proof of insurance coverage. As such, articles of incorporation do not represent proof that a user has an actual valid or effective insurance policy that meets the required coverage limits for general liability and workmen’s compensation insurance.
All Users and PTRS Users, which is technically what Service Bureaus are, need to follow the same Registration process and provide the same information. This is consistent with the current registration process.
Proof of insurance demonstrates your company is able to cover general liability conditions, such as physical injury, property damage or personal injury that may occur during your business’ operations.
iconectiv has developed training materials for all users. Some training materials can be found here.
Once you are registered, you will be able to access additional training materials on the Training tab of the NPAC Customer Portal.
Yes, the iconectiv NPAC does provide Bulk Data Downloads (BDDs).
The Bulk Data Downloads provide data extracts from NPAC/SMS database and are used to communicate network data, number pool block data, subscription version data, and notification data in a set file format. BDD files can be Full files or Delta files. Delta BDDs provide the latest list of updates to Network, Subscription Version (SV), or Number Pool Block data between two selected points in time. Full BDDs provide an active-like view of Network, Subscription Version (SV), or a Number Pool Block data from inception.
Registration for the SP/PTRS NPAC IVR is done through the NPAC customer portal.
Once you are an authorized NPAC user you can request an NPAC IVR PIN.
Once your company has successfully completed the NPAC IVR registration, the access PIN(s) will be available with 24-48 hours. Instructions for retrieving the NPAC IVR access PIN(s) will be provided to the primary registration contact.
The NPAC IVR is a telephone-based service. Online access is available through the NPAC Customer Portal.
Up to 20 numbers can be checked per session.
The IVR system provides information only on ported telephone numbers. The IVR will advise you if a number has not been ported.
“Not ported” means the telephone number has not been moved to another service provider. It still resides with the service provider originally assigned the telephone number’s area code and prefix. You can use the NANPA to look up the originally assigned carrier of an area code and prefix.
The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) is the numbering plan for the public switched telephone network for Canada, the US and its territories, and the Caribbean. The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) holds the overall responsibility for the neutral administration of NANP number resources, subject to directives from regulatory authorities.
After you have registered and have received a validated PIN, you can contact the IVR by calling 877-295-9707
Information regarding the IVR for law enforcement and public safety agencies can be found here.
For general IVR questions IVR@iconectiv.numberportability.com or call the NPAC Help Desk at (844) 820-8039.
In 1996, the FCC passed the Telecommunications Act to increase competition among service providers. Among other things, the law stated that service providers must participate and pay for LNP in the U.S. The NPAC was created to support the implementation of LNP shortly after the Act was passed.
You can access your invoice on the billing portal via the NPAC Customer Portal. You can also choose to have your invoice mailed or emailed to you.
Every telecommunications service nationwide is required to report end user revenue information on the FCC 499A form and submit it to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). iconectiv then uses this information to create the customer’s allocated percentage rate, the formula for which is the customer’s individual end user revenue information divided by the sum total of all end user revenues reported by all customers who have reported revenue in the same region as the individual customer.
All forms must be filled out in April of each year. A copy of the 499A form is available online
Based on a mandate set by the FCC in 1997, all telecommunications service providers are responsible for sharing in the cost of the LNP service.
The Federal Code of Regulations (CFR) TITLE 47, Telecommunication, PART 52 requires telecommunications carriers to pay the shared costs of Local Number Portability Administration (LNPA). For more information, click here.
In most situations, the increase may be due to an increased number of direct charges billed from one month to the next. These could include, generating reports via the NPAC system, purchase of log-on ID’s, etc. Increase in charges may also come from adjusted 499A filings that could change your regional allocation percentage. If this does not describe your situation over the past month, contact our Billing Help Desk at: (844) 560-8050.
Allocable charges are determined based on the end-user revenue and service provider revenue filed on the FCC 499-A form that service providers submit to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Information from that form is used to calculate the amount service providers are billed. The fee for the shared costs of LNPA for each applicable billable year is defined as the All-Region Flat Fee in the MSA between iconectiv and NAPM, LLC. Allocated Payors with zero end-user revenue and zero carrier’s carrier revenue and additional Allocated Payors that are categorized as exempt by USAC are excluded.
Additionally, any filer that reports only carrier’s carrier revenue with no end user revenue, they will be charged only $100 per region per year.
Customers are billed monthly.
The 499-A form must be filed with the Universal Services Administration Co (USAC). You will need to supply your company’s Filer ID#. Once you provide the Filer ID# USAC will work with you to correct/update your 499-A information. To update your company’s contact information on the 499-A form, click here
If your company is no longer in business, contact the USAC at 888-641-8722. You will need to provide the USAC with appropriate documentation to verify that your company has ceased business operations. The USAC will then notify iconectiv that your company is no longer in business. Once that information is received and processed, you will no longer receive NPAC bills.
Outstanding charges will not be collected if:
In Chapter 11 situations, the customer will still be responsible for payment if LNP charges are assessed after the bankruptcy filing date.
The iconectiv NPAC billing help desk can be contacted at 1-844-560-8050 or via email here.
Please remember to prominently include your account name or invoice number in your email–preferably in the subject line.
Registration instructions differ for each user group:
Service Providers or Providers of Telecom-Related Services (PTRS) should visit the Get Started page.
All applicants must provide information regarding their company, contacts and insurance.
In addition, all service providers need to provide the following:
If you are unfamiliar with the 499-A ID, see the FAQs in the Billing section.
Primary contacts can login into the NPAC Customer Portal to enter additional primary contacts. information. Primary contacts can also contact the Help Desk for help adding contacts.
Yes, Read Only users must follow the registration process. It is recommended that applications be submitted at the applicant's earliest convenience.
Yes, every Service Provider and Provider of Telecom-Related Services must register, even those that only use the NPAC occasionally or work through a third party to do porting or access NPAC data.
The timeline is dependent upon the amount of time the user takes to complete their forms. If a form is incomplete or filled out incorrectly, the process will be delayed. The estimated turnaround time for each form once received is as follows:
iconectiv will process your non-disclosure agreement (NDA) within five to seven business days and return a countersigned NDA and pre-populated transition user application (TUA) for review and completion. If the NDA is not completed properly, the process may take longer.
Service Provider IDs (SPIDs) are a key identifier for number portability and are essential to the transition to the new NPAC. Providing a disposition of every SPID in the existing NPAC system is a requirement of the overall onboarding process. Applicants are asked to include all SPIDs on the SPID form, even those that are no longer in use. There will be an opportunity later in the registration process to indicate that a SPID is obsolete. When applicants provide their SPIDs with the non-disclosure agreement (NDA), they help ensure the accounting of all SPIDs in the new NPAC.
The timeline is dependent upon the amount of time the user takes to complete their forms. If a form is incomplete or filled out incorrectly, the process will be delayed. The estimated turnaround time for each form once received is as follows:
There is no fee for Service Provider registrations. Since Providers of Telecom Related Services (PTRS) are required to go through a New User Evaluator (NUE) process, there is an non-refundable fee for that evaluation.
Providers of Telecom-Related Services (PTRS) must go through a New User Evaluator (NUE) process, which can take up to 60 days to complete. As such, Providers of Telecom-Related Services applicants are encouraged to apply in all NPAC regions to avoid having to go through the application process again if additional regional data is needed.
In many cases the Service Provider OCN (Operating Company Number) is used as a Service Provider ID (SPID). The Local Number Portability Administrator (LNPA) assigns SPIDs and may choose to use a company’s OCN as their SPID. In other cases, the SPID is unrelated to the OCN.
Every Service Provider and Provider of Telecom-Related Services that intends to continue to use the NPAC or NPAC data must register, even those that only use the NPAC occasionally or work through a third party to do porting or access NPAC data.
If you currently access the NPAC via a direct Local Service Management System (LSMS) or Service Order Administration (SOA) interface, then you are considered a Service Provider with mechanized access. If you access the NPAC exclusively through the Low-Tech Interface (LTI), through a third party, or exclusively via the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) or Help Desk, then you are considered a non-mechanized user.
You are a Service Provider if you meet all of the following criteria:
If you require access to NPAC data, you may qualify as a PTRS user if you:
NPAC stands for Number Portability Administration Center. It is operated by iconectiv, and serves as the central mediation center for all Local Number Portability (LNP) activity. The NPAC is the telecom industry's common, authoritative database used for routing, rating and billing calls for telephone numbers that are no longer assigned to the original NPA-NXX code holder. There is a separate NPAC SMS for each of the seven traditional RBOC regions in the US and an eighth system for Canada. For more information on the NPAC, click here.
iconectiv is the LNPA for the United States. As the LNPA, iconectiv manages seven regional databases that make up the U.S. NPAC.
The NPAC provides critical data that allows for:
For more information on the LNPA, click here.
The NAPM LLC negotiates and manages all contracts associated with LNP administration including managing the contract of the NPAC administrator with regards to:
NPAC data can be used for call rating, call routing, call billing and telecommunications network maintenance. The types of portability the NPAC supports are:
Authorized users can access the data from the NPAC Customer Portal.
The NPAC serves seven regions in the United States.
The help desk can be reached via email at npac@iconectiv.numberportability.com or by calling 844-820-8039.
If you are a Service Provider or a Provider of Telecom-Related Services (PTRS), you can change your primary contact for onboarding at any time by sending an email to lnpa-acct-mgmt@iconectiv.numberportablility.com.
The industry standards are not changing with the iconectiv NPAC. If you have developed to these industry standards already, no changes are necessary. If you directly connect to NPAC, such as to receive mechanized Local Service Management System (LSMS) downloads, you are required to conduct certification testing. More information can be found in the Testing FAQs or on the Resources page.
The different categories of NPAC users include.
Once you become an authorized NPAC user, you will be able to interact with the NPAC/SMS in the following ways:
For more information on how accessing or interacting with the NPAC, click here.
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