On March 8, 2011, Vonage renewed its request for waiver of the FCC rule that requires applicants for North American Numbering Plan (“NANP”) resources to be certificated telecommunications carriers in the states where they seek telephone numbers.  Vonage is seeking a waiver similar to the one the FCC granted to SBC Internet Services, Inc., an Interconnected VoIP provider.

Under current FCC rules, the NANP Administrator (“NANPA”) may only assign numbers to state-certified telecommunications carriers.  Interconnected VoIP providers therefore may only obtain phone numbers by contracting with wholesale carriers even though Interconnected VoIP providers are subject to number porting responsibilities and support obligations.  Vonage stated in its letter that its need for numbers is more urgent than ever because the market for voice services has become more competitive.  Also, Vonage stated that the opportunities to provide advanced features and services have grown and continue to grow since Vonage submitted its initial request for waiver in 2005.

A copy of Vonage’s letter can be found here.

Clients with comments or questions regarding this Advisory should contact the attorney responsible for their account.