Access Alert | Amendments to the Australian Telecommunications Numbering Plan

The Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) has made changes to Australia’s Telecommunications Numbering Plan to reduce phone scams and enhance the allocation of phone numbers.

The numbering plan sets out rules regarding the use, allocation, portability, and transfer of various types of phone numbers for telecommunication services in Australia. These rules are supported by a range of industry codes and guidelines, as well as contractual arrangements between telecommunication service providers.

Under the new Telecommunications Numbering Plan Variation 2022 (No.1), the following changes are made:

• Numbers will be allocated by blocks of 10,000 (down from 100,000) to guarantee the efficient use of scarce resources and promote competition.
• The introduction of the 7226 Scam Short Code will provide consumers and industry with a means to report scam texts and calls.
• ACMA may, under certain circumstances, withdraw a number (other than an international signalling point code or a mobile network code) if it has reasonable grounds to believe that the number has been used or is likely to be used for scams or other fraudulent activities.

The current Australian Telecommunications Numbering Plan is valid until 2025 and further amendments are expected before its major overhaul in response to changes in the sector and ongoing technological developments.

If you are interested in learning more about the Australian regulatory framework governing the use of numbering resources, contact Chrystel Erotokritou at [email protected].