Kim Davies wrote Friday, December 14, 2001 7:12 AM

> In theory phone numbers don't cost anything,
> and are an unlimited resources, just like domain names.

Kim

Annual numbering charges total around $60m per annum.

In practice, telephone numbers are a scarce public resource being managed in
the public interest.  Increasing the number of digits in a telephone number
has significant network planning, configuration, temporal and resource
implications.  In practice, there isn't anywhere near the flexibility in
telephone number availability, that there is in domain name availability.

The ACA works closely with representatives of users of numbers on both the
demand and supply sides of the telecommunications industry in formulating
and administering numbering policy.  The consultative arrangements
established for the NAC provide one of the means of achieving this aim.  The
NAC has existed for 10 years and meets quarterly.

The auDA Board might consider such a model for ongoing formulation and
administration name policy.


Ian Johnston
Member of NAC

--
Ian Johnston, Policy Consultant
Small Enterprise Telecommunications Centre Limited (SETEL)
PO Box 58   Jamison   ACT   2614   Australia
02 6258 3409 (B / F)  02 6259 7777 (B)    0413 990 112 (M)
www.setel.com.au   mailto:ian.johnston§setel.com.au

SETEL is a national association advancing and representing
the interests of Australian small businesses as consumers of
telecommunications and electronic commerce.