Quarterly Pooling Tip – April 2023

Investigating a CO Code Transfer prior to Applying for a New CO Code for LRN

Prior to submitting a new CO Code Request for an LRN in PAS an SP shall investigate the feasibility of a voluntary transfer of CO Code Holder responsibilities of an existing CO Code.

As outlined in Section 4.3.4 of the Thousands-Block (NPA-NXX-X) and Central Office Code (NPA-NXX) Administration Guidelines (TBCOCAG):

 

	An SP needing to establish an LRN shall investigate the feasibility of a voluntary transfer of CO Code Holder responsibilities of an existing Pooled CO Code or Non-Pooled in the Pooled Rate Center by reviewing its current inventory, including other OCNs under its control. When such a transfer is not an option, the SP should proactively investigate the feasibility of a voluntary transfer for an existing Pooled CO Code or Non-Pooled CO Code in a Pooled Rate Center to avoid opening a new CO Code altogether. An SP is not obligated to perform this investigation if it meets the criteria for the allocation of a new Pooled CO Code but should do so to assist in prolonging the life of the NPA especially when NPA relief has started. In determining such feasibility, consideration shall be given to the technical issues involved and the risk of service interruption to existing customers. The following factors shall be taken into consideration by both SPs when determining feasibility of a voluntary Pooled CO Code transfer for LRN purposes:
	a)    availability of a Thousands-Block from the CO Code; b)    quantity of Assigned Thousands-Blocks within the Pooled CO Code c)     quantity of Assigned Numbers (either Assigned or ported numbers) within the Non-Pooled or Pooled CO Code;[1] d)    dependencies on ancillary services; e)    whether the current CO Code Holder has a Technical Constraint, or has already established an LRN in the Non-Pooled or Pooled CO Code and there are Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC) records associated with that LRN; f)      the projected NPA exhaust; g)    the cutover risks of service interruption when introducing a new Switching Entity/POI to the network; h)    the length of time needed to complete the Non-Pooled or Pooled CO Code transfer.[2]
	If a voluntary transfer for an existing Non-Pooled or Pooled CO Code appears feasible, the SP shall contact the current CO Code Holder.[3] The SP may ask NANPA for assistance with identifying appropriate contacts for the current CO Code Holder if needed, and NANPA may share such contact information with the SP. The current CO Code Holder is not obligated to transfer the Non-Pooled or Pooled CO Code but may choose to do so to assist in prolonging the life of the NPA. If contacted, the current CO Code Holder shall provide a response within 7 calendar days. If the CO Code Holder agrees to transfer the Non-Pooled or Pooled CO Code, then the CO Code Holder shall include appropriate documentation (e.g., a letter of authorization) in the response. Refer to Section 9.3.5 for more information regarding Non-Pooled CO Code transfers. Refer to Section 9.2.6 for Pooled CO Code transfers.

For additional information on the Voluntary Code Transfer Process for Establishing an LRN go to 
https://nationalpooling.com/documents/voluntary_code_transfer/Steps_for_Voluntary_Code_Transfer_Process_for_Establishing_an_LRN.pdf

If you have any questions, please contact Customer Support at 866-638-7665 or poolingsupport@somos.com.

To view previous Quarterly Pooling Tips (formerly Pooling Tips of the Month), click here.