NPA-NXX Code Requirements

 How are NPA-NXX Codes Assigned?

NPA-NXX codes, also known as Central Office codes, are currently assigned by rate center and can either be issued in ten thousand blocks (NPA-NXX) or thousand blocks (NPA-NXX-X). Thousand blocks are only issued in number pooling areas, while ten thousand blocks are only issued in non-pooling areas or under certain circumstances in pooling areas.  

 What is the NPA-NXX assignment process?

• In order to obtain an NPA/NXX, a forecast including the desired rate center must first be submitted to Neustar on the NRUF form 502 (Numbering Resource Utilization/Forecast). If the code is in a number pooling area, a forecast must also be submitted in PAS (Pooling Administration System).
• When an acceptable forecast has been received by Neustar, a Part 1 code request must be submitted to the appropriate Numbering Administrator. NANPA administers codes for non-pooling areas and ten thousand blocks through the CAS system. Neustar administers codes for pooling areas through the PAS system. In order for the pooling administrator to assign a code, the company must provide a correct Part I, along with supporting documentation that it has authority to provide service in that area and proof that it can place the code in service within 6 months of receiving it.
• The Numbering Administrator will issue a Part III within 10 days. The Part III will either include a code and effective date assignment or a reason for denial. If a denial is issued, the company must start the process all over again by submitting a new Part I with supporting documentation to the Numbering Administrator. If a code is assigned, then the company has 10 business days to have it's AOCN input the Part II (routing and rating information for the code) into BIRRDS. Failure to input the code into BIRRDS within the 10 day timeframe can cause the code's effective date to be postponed.
• Once the code reaches the assigned effective date, the company to whom the code was assigned has six months to place the code in service. A code is considered placed in service when at least one PAYING customer is issued a number from the block assigned. A Part IV must be sent to the Numbering Administrator notifying them of when the code has been placed in service. If no Part IV is issued, the Numbering Administrator's Reclamation Department or the FCC may take the code back. If the code is not able to placed into service within the 6 month period, it must be returned to the Numbering Administrator by issuing a Part I (code return).
• Once a code becomes effective, the utilization section of the NRUF Form 502 must include information on how many numbers from each block are being utilized. The NRUF forecast must be submitted to NEUSTAR by February 1st and August 1st of each year. Failure to submit NRUF forecasts will result in denial of future Part I code requests.  

What portions of the Code Assignment process can BackUP help me with?

• BackUP is experienced in all facets of the code assignment process, and is available to assist your company with whatever portions of the assignment process you need help with. Whether it's managing the entire process or just filling out a Part 1, BackUP is there to help. 

 Where can I find more information on Code Assignment Guidelines?

• For full block assignments, see Part 1 in the Central Office Code Assignment Guidelines (COCAG)
•  For thousand block assignments, see Thousand Block Pooling Administration Guidelines (TBPAG) Part 1 & 1A

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