Interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers seeking to obtain numbering resources directly from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) or the Pooling Administrator (PA), must first receive authorization from the FCC.  This nationwide authorization is designed to assess the eligibility of an interconnected VoIP provider to obtain numbers directly and will fulfill the requirement under the Commission’s rules to provide evidence of authorization to provide service. 

In order to streamline the processing of an interconnected VoIP provider’s application for authorization, the Commission has established a mechanism for these applications within the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS).   Section 52.15(g)(3) of the Commission’s rules governs the process for interconnected VoIP applications for numbering authorization.  Specifically, the rules:

• Contain a list of content that must be present in each application for numbering authorization;
• Provide insight into the FCC Review Process; and
• Describe the conditions applicable to interconnected VoIP providers that are granted Commission authorization to obtain numbers.

1. Access ECFS to submit a filing at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings
2. Click on the blue header labeled “Non-Docketed Filing”
3. From the field labeled “FCC Inbox,” use the drop-down menu to select “INBOX-52.15 | VoIP Numbering Authorization Application (Fee Required)"
4. Complete the necessary information and then upload your application. You will receive a confirmation number upon submission; please save the number for tracking purposes.
5. After you have submitted your application in ECFS, remit payment using Fee Filer.
6. Please e-mail a courtesy copy of your filed application, confidential exhibits and responses to the following DAA@fcc.gov  (Any highly confidential documents should be password protected, with the password sent in a separate email.)

• VoIP Direct Access to Numbers Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
• Caller ID Authentication Governance Framework Revised to Enable Earlier Participation by Providers Without Direct Access to Telephone Numbers, effective May 10.
• VoIP Direct Access to Numbers Public Notice
• VoIP Direct Access to Numbers Order
• For technical assistance with Form 499 please contact USAC or visit https://www.usac.org/service-providers/contributing-to-the-usf/forms-to-file/
• For assistance with Form 477 please visit https://www.fcc.gov/economics-analytics/industry-analysis-division/form-477-resources
• For technical assistance with ECFS, please contact the ECFS Help Desk at 202-418-0193 or ECFSHelp@fcc.gov.