NPAC regulates local numbers, just like SOMOS regulates toll free numbers 

 carriers out there using monetization services can help secure your place in number ownership. State commissions aren’t going to be as effective because they’ll say these numbers are in service. If the numbers just sit there, the commission has reason to say, hey these numbers are just sitting there, you’re not doing anything with them. (might take them back) we wanna be in the convo. We understand your gripe, we don’t want people hoarding numbers. Let us help you by activating them.) 

Daryl will send me articles. 

One of our customers isn’t worried, because he has them activated with us! You can go away, State Commission, we are activating them to a client. Utilizing an inbound service. 

 (The moment a new area code comes out they try to suck up all the blocks. They are greedy, trying to hoard them to sell. Resources are getting consumed and not used.) 

 

The document is about the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) staff expressing concerns about an application from NumberBarn, a company that deals with phone numbers. NumberBarn requested approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to directly access phone numbers.

The MPSC staff raised several issues:

  1. Number Selling Practices: NumberBarn appears to acquire a large number of geographic and toll-free phone numbers, which it sells or leases for a fee, often focusing on vanity (custom) numbers. This practice might violate industry guidelines that prohibit the sale or leasing of phone numbers, which are considered a public resource.

  2. Potential for Abuse: When MPSC staff tested some of the numbers from NumberBarn, many led to automated responses offering gift cards, insurance, or rebates in exchange for personal information. This raises concerns about the potential misuse of the phone numbers.

  3. Number Depletion: NumberBarn’s practices may contribute to the rapid depletion of phone numbers, leading to the need for new area codes, which can be a burdensome process for businesses and consumers.

  4. Toll-Free Numbers: NumberBarn is also registered to assign toll-free numbers. The MPSC staff is worried that the company may be hoarding or warehousing these numbers, keeping more than it needs or selling them, which could violate regulations.

  5. Compliance Issues: NumberBarn is not properly registered in Michigan, which means they may not be following state rules.

In summary, the MPSC staff urges the FCC to closely review NumberBarn’s application, as their practices could lead to violations of numbering regulations, unwanted robocalls, and further depletion of available phone numbers. They recommend denying the application if these issues are not addressed.