The database will be available for callers to use starting Nov. 1.
10/25/2021 11:00
Callers subscribing to the Federal Communications Commission’s reassigned numbers database have several options for pricing come Nov. 1, when the database is expected to be available for full use.
The reassigned numbers database enables callers to verify the status of a phone number and helps protect consumers with reassigned numbers from receiving unwanted calls.
A recent beta test of the database helped the administrator to determine the appropriate subscription tiers and rates for the database when it is fully operational for paid users.
After the testing period, callers using the database will have a safe harbor from liability under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act if the number has been reassigned and the original user of that number had provided consent to call, ACA International previously reported.
According to a public notice from the FCC, the pricing structure includes interim usage charges, which may be adjusted monthly if approved by the FCC.
Highlights on the interim usage charges include:
- The reassigned numbers database will initially feature three subscription options: one month, three months and six months. A 12-month subscription option is expected in the future.
- The reassigned numbers database will offer six subscription tiers: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large and jumbo.
- A caller agent may subscribe to a tier based on the aggregate number of queries needed for all of the agent’s clients.
- The charges and number of permitted queries over the length of the subscription are:
- If a subscriber exhausts its queries before the end of the subscription term, it may buy a new subscription, upgrade to a higher tier and pay the difference between the original and new tier, or pay 10% of the usage charge to receive 10% more queries.
Because neither the North American Numbering Council nor commenters provided recommended benchmarks for subscription tiers or user rates, the reassigned numbers database administrator has proceeded with the above interim tiers and rates “based on anticipated usage.”
The administrator may adjust the tiers and rates on a monthly basis, pending FCC approval.
Finally, the FCC may initiate a proceeding to establish a more permanent rate structure, which would go into effect no sooner than Jan. 1, 2023. In the meantime, the FCC encourages users to provide online feedback to the administrator regarding its tiers and rates.
If you would like to share any thoughts or feedback on the reassigned numbers database pricing structure, contact ACA International’s Vice President and Senior Counsel, Federal Advocacy Leah Dempsey at [email protected].
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