Insights

Keeping You Informed: New FCC Mandate for Disconnected Toll-Free Numbers

Apr 21, 2020

To ensure the integrity of Toll-Free and support the fight against illegal robocalls, a new mandate was recently issued that will impact Toll-Free Number (TFN) statuses in the SMS/800 TFN Registry. Enforcement for the new rule, which was issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier this year, is expected to occur in the second half of 2020.

Per the new rule, all disconnected numbers – including disconnected Toll-Free Numbers – will not go into SPARE status until forty-five (45) days after their date of disconnection. Specifically, the rule starts that:

47 CFR Section 52.103(d): (d) Disconnect Status. toll free number must remain in disconnect status or a combination of disconnect and transitional status for no less than 45 days and for no more than 4 months. No requests for extension of the 4-month disconnect or disconnect and transitional interval will be granted. All toll free numbers in disconnect or transitional status must go directly into the spare or unavailable category upon expiration of the 4-month disconnect or transitional interval. A Responsible Organization may not retrieve a toll free number from disconnect or transitional status and return that number directly to working status at the expiration of the 4-month disconnect or transitional interval.

In support of the above, Somos is currently in the process of making the necessary upgrades to the SMS/800 TFN Registry to ensure that the system is configured to accommodate the FCC’s mandate. In the interim, Somos will continue to work closely with the FCC as they develop their timeline for enforcement. As more information and specific dates and deadlines are made available, we will communicate at least 30 days in advance of the enforcement date.

As always, Somos is by your side to help! If you need any assistance in managing the new change, or have any questions about what to expect, please call or text our Help Desk at 844.HEY.SOMOS (844.439.7666), Option 1.

*Updated 6/1/2020 – Blog previously noted the enforcement date for the new rule as Q2 2020.