Good day, readers.
For a moment, we should talk about the tie-in between the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), the North American Numbering Council (NANC)/the FCC, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The tie-in, in question?
Well, it primarily revolves around the allocation and conservation of phone numbers within the NANP.
Here’s a long-story-short breakdown:
- NANP: This is the numbering plan that assigns telephone numbers to countries in North America, including the United States, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean. Every phone number you use to make a call within this region comes from the NANP.
- NANC: This committee advises the FCC on how to best manage and administer the aforementioned NANP. NANC devises recommendations on a great number of things; area code additions, new numbering resources, policies to ensure the long-term viability of the NANP, etc.
Speaking of viability, that’s our cue to loop in IoT.
See, the lifeblood of the Internet of Things is connectivity, as we quite often say. Networks of physical devices, equipment, appliances, connected vehicles and much more are embedded with various sensors, software, and network capabilities that enable them to collect and exchange data (usually, in real time).
And in that vein, it’s important to recognize how many of these IoT entry points are provisioned on wireless networks. “Before the ubiquity of mobile internet access,” as described by the Canadian Numbering Administrator as recently as this past November, “mobile devices were voice-only. As technology evolved, data connectivity was overlaid on top of the voice network.” So, therein lies a tight history between many voice and data services, which has "fundamentally created a situation where mobile devices are dependent upon NANP resources for the provisioning of data services.”
This is the issue — the explosive growth of IoT devices puts a strain on the NANP, which could lead to a faster depletion of available phone numbers. In fact, experts believe that “the projected NANP exhaust date is 2051.”
However, this could come even quicker if current trends in usage accelerate.
In essence, the NANC working to ensure that the NANP can continue to support traditional phone services and the escalating needs of IoT (i.e. in a sustainable, cost-effective manner, in an ideal world), or else there are risks of more costly resources, the potential doing-away-with NANP numbers and more. Questions arise, like “What does this specifically mean for IoT?” and “When may changes ultimately go into effect?” and “How would a new numbering plan change MNO/MVNO relationships?”
Fear not, as potential answers to these very questions will be covered at IoT Evolution Expo 2025.
This upcoming event (part of the #TECHSUPERSHOW, taking place from February 11-13 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) combines well-planned conference programming with a massive exhibit hall, in-depth panel discussions, various networking opportunities and other activities.
Specifically, one session titled “Expansion in the Universe? The FCC, NANP, and the Future of IoT” will cover NANC’s role in being tasked with finding solutions to this dilemma, as well as other ways NANP exhaustion (and, subsequently, disrupted communication services) can be avoided for both individuals and globally functioning businesses to be impacted. Richard Shockey, SIP Forum Chairman of the Board of Directors, will lead the conversation.
While there’s still time ahead of the show, consider registering to secure your spot.
Edited by
Greg Tavarez
