NATIONAL NUMBERING PLAN

MANAGEMENT RULES 

5 January 1999

The aim of this courtesy translation is to facilitate widespread understanding of French numbering regulations. Only the original document in French is legally binding.

CONTENTS
- 1. -DEFINITIONS	
1.1.- Definitions	
1.2.- other terms used in the management rules	

- 2. - GENERAL conditions	
2.1. - Eligibility of applicants	
2.2.- Decision criteria	

- 3.- general number assignment, surveillance, PUBLICATION and withdrawal procedures	
3.1.-  NUMBER RESERVATIONS	
3.1.1.- Application Procedure	
3.1.2.  Assessment of Applications	
3.1.3. - Decision and Notification	
3.1.4. - Confirmation	
3.1.5.- Cancellation of a Reservation	
3.2.  - NUMBER ASSIGNMENT	
3.2.1.-  Application Procedure	
3.2.2. - Decision	
3.2.3.- Implementation	
3.2.4 - Transitional Provisions	
3.3.- surveillance	
3.4. - ANNULMENT OF AN ASSIGNMENT DECISION	
3.4.1.- At the Request of  the Assignee	
3.4.2.- Due to Non-activation of a Numbering Resource or Breach of the Assignment Conditions	
3.4.3.- Annulment Procedure	
3.4.4. - Re-assignment of the Resource	
3.5. -  PUBLICATION	
3.5.1. - Plan Structure and Changes	
3.5.2. - Current Use of Numbering Resources	
3.6. - TRANSFER	

-4.‑ special CONDITIONS	
4.1. Geographic numbers and numbers allocated to mobile services 	
4.1.1. - Accessibility	
4.1.2. - Geographic Location 	
4.1.3. - Modular Management	
4.1.4.  - Portability	
4.2. - Non-portable, non-mobile, non-geographic numbers	
4.3. - Portable non geographic numbers	
4.3.1. - Characteristics	
4.3.2.  ‑ Assignment Procedures	
4.4.- Short numbers and special numbers	
4.4.1. ‑ Assignment	
4.4.2.  ‑ Surveillance	
4.4.3. ‑  Annulment	
4.4.4. -  Transfer	
4.5. - Carrier selection codes	
4.5.1. - Carrier Selection Digits	
4.5.2. -Four-digit Prefixes	

- 5. ‑ Changing the management rules and numbering PLAN	
5.1. - changing the management rules	
5.2. ‑ changing the numbering plan	

INTRODUCTION

	Under articles L.34-10 and L.36-7 of the posts and telecommunications code, the French telecommunications regulatory authority (ART) is entrusted with numbering responsibilities.

		“Art. L.34-10 - A national numbering plan shall be established and controlled by the telecommunications regulatory authority.  It shall ensure equal access for users to the various telecommunications networks and services and equivalent numbering formats.

		The telecommunications regulatory authority shall allocate prefixes, individual numbers and numbering ranges to operators in an objective, transparent and non-discriminatory manner, in return for a fee, set by State Council decree, to cover the costs of managing and controlling the use of the numbering plan. 

		The conditions under which prefixes, individual numbers and numbering ranges may be used shall be specified in the schedule of terms and conditions of the operator's licence, or in the assignment decision.

		The telecommunications regulatory authority shall ensure that the numbers allocated are used efficiently. Prefixes, individual numbers and numbering ranges may not be protected by industrial or intellectual property rights.  Numbers may only be transferred with the prior consent of the telecommunications regulatory authority(...)”

		“Art. L.36-7. The telecommunications regulatory authority shall:
		“ (...)
		“6° - allocate to operators and users, in an objective, transparent and non-discriminatory manner, the frequency and numbering resources needed for their activity, ensure that they are used efficiently, establish a numbering plan and control the management thereof.”

	These management rules have been drafted and published, in accordance with article L.34-10, in order to set out, in detail, the conditions and procedures governing number assignment to various types of operators.  As fees are subject to fiscal law, they are not are not mentioned in these rules.
	All market parties (operators, manufacturers and users) have been consulted.  First, by the Directorate General of Posts and Telecommunications, and subsequently, since 1st January 1997, by the telecommunications regulatory authority (ART).

	The telecommunications networks and services advisory commission was consulted on 28 January 1998.

These management rules are a continuation of the transitional provisions applied in 1997.  They may be amended, as required, according to the arrangements described in paragraph 5.1.

- 1. - 
DEFINITIONS  

	The main terms used in these management rules are defined in the posts and telecommunications code.  Other terms, used with a specific meaning, are explained below.

1.1.- Definitions 

	Article L.32 of the posts and telecommunications code defines the public network, the telecommunications service, the public telephone service and the operator: 

			“ Public network means a telecommunications network established or used for the provision of public telecommunications services”.

			“ Telecommunications service means a service including the transmission or routeing of signals or a combination of these functions using telecommunications processes.  Entertainment telecommunications services are not subject to this provision insomuch as they are governed by the Freedom of Communications Act n° 86-1067 of 30 September 1986.”

			“Public telephone service means the commercial provision to the public of a service consisting in the conveyance of direct, real-time voice telephony between public switched telephone networks for mobile and fixed users”.

			“Operator means a natural or artificial person authorised to run a public network or to provide a telecommunications service to the public.”

In addition, article L.34-10 sets out the meaning of portability:

			“As of 1st January 1998, all subscribers who change operator without changing their geographic location may retain their number, on condition that there is sufficient transfer capability at that date [...]

			The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to numbers allocated to mobile networks and used to provide mobile services.

			As of 1st January 2001, users shall be able, on request:
			- to retain their telephone number in the event of a change of operator, without a change of geographic location;
			- to obtain a number from their operator which they may retain in the event of a change of operator or geographic location.”

1.2.- Other Terms Used in the Management Rules

National Numbering Plan

	The National Numbering Plan (NNP) is the structured numbering resource that enables the identification of fixed and mobile telephone network and service termination points, the conveyance of calls and access to internal network resources.
	The NNP is part of the global numbering plan (E.164). Other addressing schemes (eg. the semaphore numbering plan, Data Network Identification Codes (DNICs), National Service Access Points (NSAPs), Administration Management Domains (ADMDs), Internet names) are not covered by these management rules.
	ART will gradually set out the structure and rules governing usage of the various parts of the National Plan.
	Numbers used for internal purposes within certain networks are not included in the National Numbering Plan.  If a number assigned by ART is found to be already active, it is abandoned by the user and made available for use at national level, within a reasonable time-scale, decided by ART.

Reservation 

	Reservation entails ART issuing a decision, after studying the application file, stating that a numbering resource is reserved for a telecommunications operator, for a specific period of time. Under no circumstances is reservation necessary, prior to assignment.  The reservation holder must confirm, at the end of each calendar year, that he wishes to retain the reservation.  Any reservation that is not confirmed is cancelled.

Primary Assignment 

	Primary assignment entails ART issuing a decision, after studying the application file, stating that a telecommunications operator has the right to use the designated resource for his own use or for the use of his customers.  The usage conditions are set out, or recalled, in the assignment decision, or in the schedule of terms and conditions attached to the applicant's licence.

 Secondary Assignment

	Secondary assignment entails the primary assignee making available a number or number range to end users, according to certain contractual terms and conditions. After informing ART, the primary assignee may use numbers for his own internal operational purposes (testing, routeing).

Surveillance by ART

	Surveillance means ensuring that the numbers that have been allocated or reserved are used in conformity with the management rules.  The aim of surveillance is to avoid the under-utilisation of the resource in relation to the preliminary forecasts, and to guarantee that numbers are assigned by telecommunications operators to end users in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner.

Publication 

	Publication entails ART making available information on the structure of the National Numbering Plan, on changes to made to the Plan and on the use of the reserved or allocated resources.

Number Range

A number range is a series of 1 million consecutive numbers identified by the first three digits (“a ZAB ”).

Block of Numbers

A block of numbers is the smallest quantity of consecutive numbers that can be reserved (and allocated) after the single digit.  Numbers are generally allocated in blocks of 10 000 (“ ZABPQ ” format), or 1000, in specific cases (“ ZABPQ M” format).

- 2. - 
GENERAL CONDITIONS 

The conditions governing applicants' eligibility shall apply to both the reservations and allocations, of certain types of numbering resources, made for telecommunications operators.  Eligibility shall not prejudge the decision to be taken by ART after studying the application file and the status of the National Numbering Plan.

When applicants file their application, they shall automatically accept to comply with all the management rules contained in this document.

2.1. - Eligibility of Applicants 
	Applicant eligibility shall depend on operator typology and, where appropriate, on their licence conditions.
	The figure below summarises the conditions governing applicants' eligibility, in relation to their activity.

CatEgory of providers     

CatEgory of numbers 

	public telecommunications network operators
providing a public telephone service
(L 33-1 + 
L 34-1)	public telecommunications network operators 
(L 33-1)
	public telephone service providers
(L 34-1)	- provider to the public of  telecommunications service other than the telephone service
- provider of telecommunications service using radio frequencies, 
- provider of telecommunications service other than the telephone service over cable networks
(other: L 34-2, etc.)	public telephone service providers over cable networks
(L 34-4 +
 L 34-1)	
geogra-
phic	yes	yes	no	no	yes	
 mobile non geogra-
phic 	yes	yes5	no	no	yes	
 non-mobile non geogra-
phic 	yes6	yes6	yes	yes6	yes6	
short numbers	yes6	yes6	yes6	yes6	yes6	
special numbers for operators	yes	yes	no	no	yes	
carrier selection codes	yes7	no	yes7	no	no	
access codes for virtual private network services	yes	no	yes	no	yes	

2.2.- Decision Criteria

When assessing applications, ART shall take into account the following criteria:

•	licences granted for networks or services and the attached terms and conditions,
•	efficient use of the national numbering plan, and particularly the scarcity of the resource, 
•	conformity with the Plan structure laid down by ART decision, 
•	where appropriate, geographic location criteria,
•	network roll out and service coverage, and more generally the technical and financial capability of the applicant to implement the project, 
•	equality of treatment and the maintenance of fair competition conditions, 
•	compliance with relevant Community and international rules and agreements.

- 3.-	
GENERAL NUMBER ASSIGNMENT, SURVEILLANCE, PUBLICATION AND WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES

	The general procedures described below apply to all number categories, with the exception of the special cases mentioned in Chapter 4.

3.1.- 	NUMBER RESERVATIONS

	Numbering reservation applications may be made for a period not exceeding two years from reception of the notification of the reservation decision.

3.1.1.- Application Procedure

Reservation applications shall be sent to ART by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt.  The legal reservation time-scale shall begin upon acknowledgement of receipt.

Content of the Reservation Application File

The reservation application file should contain the following information:
•		applicant's full name and position, company name and trade registration number (SIRET), 
•		licence references, with relevant clauses, and, where appropriate, the licence application receipt.
•		description of the numbering resource requested,
•		reasons for the request, relation between the resource requested and resources previously reserved or allocated,
•		description of the planned service including a diagram of the architecture and implementation arrangements (business plan),
•		usage rate and condition of resources already assigned to the applicant,
•		where appropriate, planned geographic location for the numbers requested,
•		preferred assignment date,
•		expected date of activation of the resource.

Applicants may provide any additional information that they deem to be appropriate, to support their application, eg. on tariffs

Applicants may indicate, for each piece of mandatory or supplementary information supplied, whether they deem that it should be kept confidential.

ART may request information to supplement the above, if it judges it necessary:

3.1.2.  - Assessment of Applications

Applicants that meet the eligibility criteria set out in paragraph 2.1 and submit a complete application file, shall be dealt with on a "first come, first served" basis.

3.1.3. - Decision and Notification 

ART shall examine reservation applications based on the criteria described in paragraph 2.2.
 
Upon reception of the complete application file, ART shall send the applicant acknowledgement of receipt.  The applicant shall be notified of ART's decision within two months following the acknowledgement of receipt date.  This time-scale shall not apply if the file is missing any of the components mentioned in paragraph 3.1.1.  If the application is refused, the reasons for refusal shall be mentioned in ART's decision.

Once reserved, the resource and operator's name shall be listed in the public numbering plan file.  The service planned shall not be mentioned.

3.1.4. - Confirmation

The reservation holder shall send written confirmation of the reservation at the end of each calendar year.  Any information necessary to update the application file shall be included at this time.

If ART receives no confirmation after sending a reminder letter, the reservation shall be cancelled.

3.1.5.- Cancellation of a Reservation

The reservation may be cancelled:
		a) at the request of the reservation holder;
		b) automatically if the operator does not obtain the licence requested, if the reserved resource has not been requested within the two years following the reservation decision, or if the reservation has not been confirmed, as stated in paragraph 3.1.4.
		
ART may issue a decision to annul the reservation, according to the procedure described in paragraph 3.4.3, if the holder no longer fulfills the conditions upon which the reservation decision was based.

3.2.  -	ASSIGNMENT

	3.2.1.- Application Procedure 

The application for a number assignment, whether or not previously reserved, shall be sent to ART by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt.  The legal application time-scale shall begin upon acknowledgement of receipt of the application.

Content of the Assignment Application File

The assignment application file shall contain the following information :

•	applicant's full name, address and position, company name and trade registration number, where appropriate,
•	licence references and clauses if the applicant is a licence holder, or where appropriate, the licence application receipt.
•	description of the numbering resource requested, 
•	where appropriate, the preferred assignment date,
•	references of the reservation, where appropriate,
•	reason for the application, relation between the resource requested and resources already reserved or allocated, 
•	description of the planned service and diagram of the architecture, implementation arrangements (business plan),
•	usage rate and condition of resources already assigned to the applicant,
•	in the case of geographic numbers, geographic location of the numbers requested, by numbering area,
•	geographic area, service coverage,
•	preferred assignment date, expected date of activation of the resource,
•	expected use of the resource requested over the first three years, with traffic forecasts,
•	description of the service, specifying the access conditions, and, where appropriate, the agreement established between the applicant and one or several network operators, laying down the technical and commercial conditions governing the use of number(s).

And where relevant:
•	sizing of the facilities and expected rate of effective calls.

If the application has been preceded by a reservation, the majority of the above-mentioned information will already have been provided with the reservation application; in this case the applicant shall only have to provide ART with the information that has changed since the reservation was made.
Applicants may provide any additional information that they deem to be appropriate to support their application, eg. on tariffs.
Applicants may indicate, for each piece of mandatory or supplementary information provided, whether they deem that it should be kept confidential.

ART may request any additional information that it judges necessary.

	3.2.2. - Assignment Decision 

ART shall examine the resource assignment application, based on the criteria mentioned in paragraph 2.2.

ART may:
•	assign the resource,
•	assign the resource for a limited duration, 
•	only assign part (or none) of the resource requested, whether or not the other part is reserved,
•	refuse to assign the resource.

The assignment decision shall set out the conditions governing the assignment, in accordance with article L.34-10 of the posts and telecommunications code.  Applicants that meet the eligibility criteria set out in paragraph 2.1, and submit a complete application file, shall be dealt with on a "first come, first served" basis.  In order to choose between eligible applications received on the same day for identical resources which have not been reserved, ART shall draw lots.  These provisions shall not apply to carrier selection codes, for which the assignment arrangements are described in paragraph 4.5.1.

After receiving the complete file, and without prejudging its final decision, ART shall send an acknowledgement of receipt to the applicant. ART shall notify the applicant of its decision within a two month period following reception of the application.  This time-scale shall not apply if the application file is missing some of the components mentioned in paragraph 3.2.1.

In case of a refusal or partial assignment, the decision shall be reasoned.  In case of partial assignment, ART shall describe the status of the part of resource that has been refused.  If the latter is reserved the applicant may file a new request for assignment;  in this case the new application should provide answers to the questions listed in the decision, that justified the refusal.

3.2.3.- Implementation 

The assigned resource must be activated within one year following notification of the decision.  ART shall be informed within two weeks of the activation of the resource.
For individually assigned numbers, activation means the commercial implementation of the number.  For number block assignments, it means the first assignment to a subscriber or the date that the network begins to use the block.

3.2.4 - Transitional Provisions 

		Operators that had been using numbering resources before these management rules came into force, are required to provide the information mentioned in paragraph 3.2.1. Based on this information, ART shall assign the corresponding resources.

3.3.- SURVEILLANCE

Before 31 January each year, the assignee shall send ART a report on the usage of the assigned resource for the previous year, by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt.

This report shall contain the following information:

•	conditions of use of the resources already assigned,
•	annual traffic recorded over the previous year in minutes,
•	usage rate and conditions of the resources assigned,
number of active numbers (total and per PQ, where appropriate),
			number of free PQ per ZAB,
			number of secondary assignments to end users, 
•	in the case of geographic numbers, geographic location of the numbers assigned,
•	service(s) using the assigned resource,
•	expected activation date, where appropriate,
•	usage forecasts for the assigned resource over a three year period: 
•	where appropriate, number of numbers ported, proportion per block, location, etc.

ART may, at any moment, ask the assignee to provide information on the usage conditions of an assigned resource, and may ask to see the assignee's list of subscribers.

Moreover, the assignee, at any time, shall inform ART of any change to the information provided in the assignment application file, particularly if it concerns a change in the type or name of the company.

Any discrepancy noted between the real usage conditions and the information upon which ART has based its decision may lead to the re-assessment of the assignment decision and the annulment of the assignment, in accordance with the procedure described in paragraph 3.4.3.

ART reserves the right to monitor traffic information, with the help of the public network operators that are required to give assistance.

3.4. - ANNULMENT OF AN ASSIGNMENT DECISION 

An assignment decision may only be annuled in the following cases:

	3.4.1.- Annulment Requested by the Assignee

Where appropriate, the applicant shall inform ART that he intends to terminate the service initially planned.  The assignee shall be informed of the annulment of the assignment decision.  The resource shall become free, and after the period of time specified below, may be re-assigned(cf. §3.4.4).

	3.4.2.- Annulment for Non-activation of the Number or for Breach of the Assignment Conditions

If the usage conditions do not comply with the assignment conditions, or if a significant part of the resource remains unused, ART may annul the assignment, according to the procedure described in paragraph 3.4.3.

	3.4.3.- Annulment Procedure

	With the exception of situations where annulment is automatic, the annulment procedure applied by ART shall be the following:

1.	- 	ART shall notify the assignee, by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt, of the reasons for the annulment of the reservation or assignment decision;
2.	- 	the beneficiary of the reservation or assignment shall have one month inclusive, from the date of notification, to appeal against the decision;
3.	- 	after this time, ART shall declare the annulment of the reservation or assignment decision, where appropriate.

	The assignee shall be informed of the reasons for annulment of the reservation or allocation decision, and the annulment shall become effective at the time of notification.

3.4.4. - Re-assignment of the Resource

	 A resource that has been subject to annulment may not be re-assigned within a six month period.

 3.5. -  PUBLICATION 

ART shall publish a file containing information on the structure and changes in the numbering plan, and on numbering reservations and assignments.
Information sent to ART shall be regarded as confidential, with the exception of information that is to be published in accordance with the management rules.  However, operators may inform ART of information that they consider to be of a highly confidential nature, subject to legislative and regulatory provisions, decided by ART.

The list of allocations and reservations shall be updated every month.  The type of service shall only be mentioned for assignments.
3.5.1. -	Plan Structure and Changes

The file shall describe the structure of the Plan, its use and, where appropriate, any changes expected. 
3.5.2. -	Current Use of Resources

The file shall describe how numbering resources are used in the following categories:
1	‑	geographic numbers
2	- 	mobile non-geographic numbers
3	- 	other non-geographic numbers
4	‑	short numbers
5	‑	special numbers
6	‑	carrier selection codes.

Secondary assignments made to end users by primary assignees shall not be mentioned in the file.

The structure of information published is shown in annex 2.

3.6. - TRANSFER

The request for the authorisation to transfer an allocated or reserved resource shall be submitted to ART by the end beneficiary of the assignment, in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in paragraph 3.2, accompanied by an agreement signed by the original assignee.

The decision to allocate or reserve the resource for another assignee shall be taken in accordance with the conditions set out in paragraph 3.2. 

The time-scale set out in paragraph 3.4.4 shall not apply.

-4.‑	
SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Special management procedures are needed for number categories with distinct characteristics.

The description of the parts of the national numbering plan that correspond to the following paragraphs is given in annex 1.

4.1. Geographic Numbers and Numbers Allocated to Mobile Services

4.1.1. - Accessibility

Numbers allocated to end users shall be accessible from public telecommunications networks providing the public telephone service.

4.1.2. - Geographic Location

All geographic numbers with the same ZABPQ shall be physically located in the same geographic area, known as the elementary numbering area (ZNE).

A map of the numbering areas is given in annex 3.

4.1.3. - Modular Management 

In urban areas, the minimum unit for the management of geographic numbers and numbers assigned to mobile services shall be the block of 10 000 numbers. However, numbers may be assigned in blocks of 100 000, or even in blocks of one million.

In the overseas departments and territories of St Pierre-et-Miquelon and Mayotte numbers may be managed in blocks of 1 000 numbers.

4.1.4.  - Portability 
These management rules apply to assigned blocks of numbers and also to numbers that are ported between service providers, in accordance with the portability provisions applicable from 1st January 1998.

4.2. - Non-portable, Non-mobile, Non-geographic Numbers

Non-portable, non-mobile non-geographic numbers may be managed in blocks of less than 10 000 numbers. 

4.3. - Portable Non-geographic Numbers

Portable non-mobile non-geographic numbers may be used for the provision of telecommunications services to the public (eg. freephone).

They shall be assigned individually.

The management rules and implementation procedures for portable non-geographic numbers, and the arrangements governing the database shall be laid down, at a later date, by ART.
4.3.1. - Characteristics 
Portable non-geographic numbers are managed either directly or indirectly by ART, on an individual basis, in a national database.
ART shall undertake primary assignments to telecommunications operators and these operators shall then undertake secondary assignment to end users.
An assignment decision is necessary prior to number assignment.
Operators shall reserve numbers in the database when they receive requests from users.
Reservations may not be made on the basis of forecasts. Unused numbers shall be subject to a withdrawal decision.

Operators may access the portable non-geographic number database to:
•	consult information, such as the list of free numbers, subscribers' details, the status of all portable numbers, etc.
•	reserve numbers.
Operators may have copies of the national database. The arrangements for this have yet to be determined.

4.3.2.  ‑	Assignment Procedures

	4.3.2.1 - Request and Confirmation of Reservations 

Having received a request from a user, the operator shall reserve one of the numbers listed as free in the database.  Portable non-geographic number reservations shall be valid for a three month period.

The reservation application shall include the following information:
•	end user's company name, address and contact details,
•	number requested,
•	identity of the operator, address, trade registration number (SIRET),
•	expected date of deactivation of the service or number,
•	expected date of termination of the service, where appropriate,
•	type of service, (continuous/intermittent).

4.3.2.2 - Cancellation of Reservations
	Reservations may be cancelled at the request of the operator, before the launch of the service or if the notification of activation of the service is not received within three months following reservation, with the exception of services which are intermittent by nature.  The corresponding number shall immediately become available.
	
	Intermittent Services 
	For services that are intermittent by nature, the number may be "assigned" while the service is not actually available.  Activation shall be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

4.3.2.3 - Secondary Assignment
	Upon launch of the service, the operator shall send ART a copy of the user's request.  The number shall appear in the database as "assigned" and the expected date of activation shall be recorded.

Users that do not use the numbers assigned to them shall inform the operator who, in turn, shall immediately inform ART.

4.3.2.4 - Surveillance
	Operators shall send a list of the numbers assigned to the database manager, every month.
	ART shall carry out inspections to ensure that the numbers are used as stated in the application and in accordance with the conditions set out in the assignment decision.  If this is not the case, the operator shall be given a three month period within which to conform to the usage conditions.

4.3.2.5 - Annulment of the Assignment, Re-assignment of Numbers

The annulment of an assignment and the re-assignment of the corresponding number shall be subject to the conditions laid down in paragraph 3.4.

4.3.2.6 - Portability 

Once the date of service activation by the recipient service provider is known, the user shall inform the donor service provider of the date of termination of his contract.  The donor service provider shall then send the user a termination certificate, that the user in turn shall send to the recipient service provider.  A copy of this certificate shall be sent to ART.

The recipient service provider shall send the national number manager the termination certificate and a notice of number portability, including the following information:

•	contract holder, company name, address, trade registration number (SIRET), where appropriate,
•	number concerned,
•	donor service provider,
•	recipient service provider,
•	date requested for implementation of portability.

At the date requested, the manager shall update the national database.  The information shall be made available to the licensed network operators.

 4.4.- Short Numbers and Special Numbers

ART shall assign special numbers for social services that are provided free of charge, and for services that are directly linked to operators' internal network operations (fault reporting, after-sales service), at a low cost for the caller. 

Special numbers may be assigned to social services, when requested by the relevant ministerial department.

The same short numbers or special numbers may not be used to access two different services provided by two different providers, even if these services are provided over different public networks or over different geographic areas.

Short numbers and special numbers shall not require prior reservation.

4.4.1. ‑	Assignment  

The assignment procedure is the same as the general procedure described in paragraph 3.2, with the additional provisions: 
-	Assignment applications may be filed, at the earliest, six months prior to the expected date of service activation.
- 	ART shall assess applications, based on the criteria set out in paragraph 2.2., and the following criteria:
		-	agreement by the applicant to make the service accessible to the public,
		-	effective calls, geographic coverage.

If the applicant is still negotiating the agreement setting out the technical and commercial conditions governing activation of the short or special number in the operators network, with the network operator(s), ART shall certify receipt of the application and may reserve the number requested.
4.4.2.  ‑	Surveillance

The surveillance procedure shall be the same as the general procedure described in paragraph 3.3. 

4.4.3. ‑ 	Annulment

Annulment of the re-assignment of a resource shall be carried out in the same way as the general procedure described in paragraph 3.4.
4.4.4. - 	Transfer

Transfer shall be subject to the conditions described in paragraph 3.6.

4.5. - Carrier Selection Codes

Since 1st January 1998, end users have been able to select a long distance network operator to route their national long distance or international call to an international or national long distance number.  This is done by using a one or four-digit prefix, known as a carrier selection code, from their local loop network.
 4.5.1. - Carrier Selection Digits

ART's decision n° 97-196 of 16 July 1997, published on 2 August 1997 in the French Official Journal, sets out the procedure governing the assignment of carrier selection codes and the corresponding numbering range.

4.5.2. -Four-digit Prefixes

Four-digit carrier selection prefixes shall be assigned by ART decision.  ART's decision n° 97-277 of 12 September 1997 on carrier selection code assignment, which was published on 6 December 1997 in the Official Journal, sets out the corresponding numbering formats.

The conditions governing applicants' eligibility, set out the criteria for filing applications.  Eligibility shall not prejudge the decision to be taken by ART after examining the complete application file.

Due to the scarcity of the resource, in the initial phase only one four-digit carrier selection code shall be assigned to each operator fulfilling the established criteria and assignment conditions.  If the application is for several codes, these shall be classified by order of preference and, when available, the codes shall be assigned in this order.  Carrier selection codes shall not require prior reservation.

	4.5.2.1 - Eligibility of Applicants

As shown in the table in paragraph 2.1, applications filed by telecommunications operators providing a public telephone service shall only be eligible if the operators are licensed in accordance with the provisons of article L.34-1.

	4.5.2.2  - Assignment Criteria

ART shall examine applications on a "first come, first served" basis, in accordance with the assignment criteria set out in paragraph 2.2.

	4.5.2.3 - Assignment Procedures

The assignment procedure shall be the same as the general procedure set out in paragraph 3.2., with the following specificity:
•	assignment applications should be filed, at the earliest, 6 months before the expected date of service activation.

In accordance with the procedure set out in § 3.2, ART may reserve the resource if the application file is not complete (eg. the licence has not yet been granted, ...).

	4.5.2.4 - Assignment Decisions

The assignment procedure shall be the same as the general procedure set out in paragraph 3.3.

	4.5.2.5  - Transfer and Duration of Assignments

Four-digit carrier selection codes may not be transferred. The code assignments shall be renewed automatically, after a two year period, unless the assignee or ART decide otherwise. 

	4.5.2.6 - Modification of the Assignment Conditions

The assignee shall inform ART of any modification to the information provided in the assignment application file. Any discrepancy between the real usage conditions and the information provided to ART during the decision-making process may justify the re-examination of the assignment decision and may lead to withdrawal of the latter. 

	4.5.2.7  - Implementation

ART shall be informed of activation of the assigned carrier selection code within fifteen days.

	4.5.2.8 - Surveillance

In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 3.3, the assignee shall file an annual report on the usage of the assigned resource.  This report shall be sent to ART before 31 January of the following year.

	4.5.2.9 -Annulment
	The annulment of an assignment shall follow the general procedure set out in paragraph 3.4.

4.6. - Access Codes for Virtual Private Network Services

Access codes for virtual private network (VPN) services enable users to access these services by one-stage dialling from the local loop.

 4.6.1. - Characteristics
These codes shall be assigned in blocks of 100 000 numbers, based on the 08 5B 0 format, where the value BP is used as the identifier for the service provider.  

Users dial 08 5B P followed by an open number string, for:  

- internal private calls, 

- external public calls, with the exception of public calls to mobile numbers in the national numbering plan, in accordance with ART decision n° 98-902 of 30 October 1998, which use a 
national or international numbering format.
4.6.2. -Usage Conditions

These codes shall be assigned by ART decision.  ART's decision n° 98-1047 of 23 December 1998, sets out the corresponding numbering formats.

The conditions governing applicants' eligibility, set out the criteria for filing applications.  Eligibility shall not prejudge the decision to be taken by ART after examining the complete application file.

Due to the scarcity of the resource, in the initial phase only one block of access codes for virtual private network services shall be assigned to each operator fulfilling the established criteria and assignment conditions.  If the application is for several codes, these shall be classified by order of preference and, when available, the codes shall be assigned in this order.  Blocks of access codes for virtual private networks shall not require prior reservation.

	4.6.2.1 - Eligibility of Applicants

As shown in the table in paragraph 2.1, applications filed by telecommunications operators providing a public telephone service shall only be eligible if the operators are licensed in accordance with the provisions of article L.34-1.

	4.6.2.2  - Assignment Criteria

ART shall examine applications on a "first come, first served" basis, in accordance with the assignment criteria set out in paragraph 2.2.

	4.6.2.3 - Assignment Procedures

The assignment procedure shall be the same as the general procedure set out in paragraph 3.2., with the following specificity:
•	assignment applications should be filed, at the earliest, 6 months before the expected date of service activation.  The assignment application file shall also include the expected activation schedule and a description of the services provided in the virtual private network offering.  The services offered shall include, as a minimum requirement, the management of a private numbering plan for a closed user groups

In accordance with the procedure set out in § 3.2, ART may reserve the resource if the application file is not complete (eg. the licence has not yet been granted, ...).

	4.6.2.4 - Transfer and Duration of Assignments
Blocks of access codes for virtual private network services may not be transferred.  Assignments are renewed automatically, after one year, unless the assignee or ART decide otherwise.

	4.5.2.5  - Transfer and Duration of Assignments

Four-digit carrier selection codes may not be transferred. The codes shall be re-assigned automatically, after a two year period, unless the assignee or ART decide otherwise. 

	4.6.2.5 - Modification of the Assignment Conditions

The assignee shall inform ART of any modification to the information provided in the assignment application file. Any discrepancy between the real usage conditions and the information provided to ART during the decision-making process may justify the re-examination of the assignment decision and may lead to the annulment of the latter. 

	4.6.2.6  - Implementation

ART shall be informed of the activation of the assigned block of access codes for virtual private network services, within fifteen days.

	4.6.2.7 - Surveillance

In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 3.3, the assignee shall file an annual report on the usage of the assigned resource, specifying how the conditions laid down in paragraph 4.6.2 were fulfilled.  This report shall be sent to ART before 31 January of the following year.  

Furthermore, ART may verify that the resource is being used appropriately, at any time, and may institute the annulment procedure described in paragraph 3.4.3 if it finds non-conformity with the assignment criteria.
	4.5.2.9 -Annulment
	The annulment of an assignment decision shall follow the general procedure set out in paragraph 3.4.

- 5. ‑	
CHANGES TO THE MANAGEMENT RULES AND NUMBERING PLAN

5.1. - Changes to the Management Rules

	The management rules may be modified or supplemented by ART, after consultation with operators, manufacturers, user representatives and all other interested parties.

	All interested parties may address a request for modification of these rules to ART.  ART shall examine the request and shall consult, where appropriate, all interested parties, including the representatives of operators, the industry and users.

	If the management rules are modified, the parties concerned shall be informed and shall be given a period of three months within which to conform with the amended provisions.

5.2. ‑ Changes to the Numbering Plan

	All interested parties may ask ART to make changes to the national numbering plan.  The request shall be in conformity with European rules and with the recommendations of the relevant international bodies (ITU, etc.).

	The request may be submitted, for opinion, to the representatives of operators, the industry, users and to all other interested parties.

	The decision shall be taken by ART.

	The timetable for implementation shall be set after consultation with the public network operators and the industry, and after taking into consideration users' interests.

ANNEX 1

STRUCTURE

 OF THE 

NATIONAL NUMBERING PLAN

 1st October 1997

	The National Numbering Plan used throughout France is a closed ten-digit plan comprising:

·		Geographic Numbers

		These numbers are designated by the letters Z A B P Q M C D U preceded by a 0. The zero may be replaced by a carrier selection code for long distance and international calls.
		The values of Z between 1 and 5 inclusive, correspond to geographic areas: 

						Z = 1 			Île-de-France						Z = 2 			North-West
						Z = 3 			North-East							Z = 4 			South-East
						Z = 5 			South-West

		The overseas departments are included in the areas, and are identified by Z = 2 and Z = 5. 

·		Mobile Non-geographic Numbers

		These are ten-digit numbers.  The first digit is 0 and the second, designated by the letter Z, is 6.

·		Non-portable Non-mobile Non-geographic Numbers

		These numbers, which are part of the Z = 8 range, are used to access certain non-geographic services (shared cost calls, premium rate, etc.). Some blocks in this part of the National Numbering Plan are subject to special conditions in terms of the type of service and pricing structure.

·		Portable Non-geographic Numbers beginning with 08

		These numbers, which are part of the 0 800 range, are used exclusively for freephone services.

·		3BPQ-type Four-digit Short Numbers

·		Special numbers with 2, 3 or 4 digits, based on the 1X, 1XY or 1 XYT format.  ART assigns these numbers to public interest services that are provided free of charge, or to operators for internal network services (customer services), at a low cost for the calling party.
		Some special numbers (112, 15, 17, 18, 115, 119) are not assigned to operators, but to services provided in the public interest, upon request from the appropriate ministerial department.

		The table below shows how special numbers are used:

Number	Service	
10YT	Operator Services: Fault Reporting, After Sales Service...	
12	Operator Information
(Current Situation, Future Changes Planned: eg. 118...)	
[13,14]	Operator Services (being freed)	
119	Public Interest Services	
15, 17, 18, 112, 115	Emergency and Assistance

	Ten-digit numbers beginning with 07 are not used at present.  They may be used for the portable number range.

	To date there are no ten-digit numbers beginning with 09.

	Carrier selection codes also belong to the national numbering plan: 

		- single digit codes designated by the letter "E",
		- four-digit prefixes designated by the sequence 16XY. 

ANNEX 2

STRUCTURE OF INFORMATION PUBLISHED

1.Data Published 

Status of the Numbering Resource

A numbering resource may be:

•	free : the resource may be reserved or allocated,
•	reserved : ART has granted a reservation,
•	assigned : ART has granted an assignment,
•	dormant: the resource cannot be used, temporarily,
•	unusable : the resource is not available for reservation or assignment.

Information available

1 ‑	 Numbers with the 0Z AB PQ MC DU format 

		The file contains non-confidential information on a particular resource requested by the user.

		Users may obtain the following information, per ZAB:

•	status of the resource,
•	identity of the assignee (if the resource is reserved or allocated),
•	designation of the service (if the resource is assigned and the service is activated),
•	mention of the existence or not of portability between operators,
•	indication of the fact that the resource has been applied for, if it is a reserved resource,
•	expected date of commercial activation of the service, if it is an assigned resource.

The file should also contain the following three lists, classified by the value of Z:
•	list of dormant number ranges,
•	list of reserved number ranges,
•	list of allocated number ranges.

	The name of the assignee and the service concerned may be indicated for each range.  This information shall always be given if the service is running commercially.

	 In mainland France geographic numbers are managed in blocks of ten thousand numbers, based on a ZABPQ format.

2 ‑	Four-digit Numbers with the 3B PQ Format

	For each of these numbers the file provides the following information: 
	-	status of the number,
	-	identity of the assignee,
	-	name of the service, 
	-	expected date of commercial launch of the service, if it concerns an allocated number.

The numbers are managed individually.

	3 ‑ 	Special Numbers (1X, 1XY, 1XYT)

			The file provides the same information for each of these numbers as for short numbers.

			The numbers are managed individually.

	4 -	Carrier Selection Codes

			Identity of the Assignee.

ANNEX 3

DIVISION OF TERRITORY INTO ELEMENTARY NUMBERING AREAS

You may obtain the CD-Rom version of this annex from ART fax n° : 00 33 1 40 47 71 92