Revised in August 2021

Code of Practice Relating to the Use of Numbers and Codes

in the Hong Kong Numbering Plan

Background

Pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) of Section 32F of the

Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap 106), the Communications
Authority1 (CA) may issue codes of practice relating to the use of numbers
and codes in the numbering plan, and any code so issued may include
provisions relating to number portability. Paragraph (3)(e) of the same
section further provides that the CA may delegate the administration of the
numbering plan or a part of the numbering plan to any person.

2. To ensure that the allocations and assignments of numbers and

codes for telecommunications networks/services meet up-to-date
requirements of the telecommunications industry, the CA issues this Code
of Practice (CoP) for the purpose of providing guidance to the
telecommunications network operators and service providers, including
paging service operators, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and
Services-Based Operator (SBO) Licensees etc., to whom the CA has
delegated the administration of part of the numbering plan. This CoP will
contain the necessary guidance principles for these operators to follow
when assigning telecommunications numbers and/or codes to end
customers. For ease of reference, a summarised description of the Hong
Kong Numbering Plan and classification of short codes are given in
Appendix 1 «Description of the Numbering Plan» and Appendix 2
«Classification of Short Codes» respectively.

Guiding Principles

3. In the drawing up of the numbering plan for Hong Kong, the CA

has adopted the following guiding principles:

(a) the numbering plan should be able to meet the future growth
and requirements in telecommunications;

1
Pursuant to the Communications Authority Ordinance (Cap 616), with effect from 1 April 2012, all
duties and powers of the Telecommunications Authority are conferred on the Communications
Authority, and all duties and powers of the Office of the Telecommunications Authority are conferred
on the Office of the Communications Authority, the executive arm of the Communications Authority.

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 (b) the numbering plan should be user friendly and be fair and
equitable to all providers of telecommunications services;
and

(c) the numbering plan should be able to adapt to new

technologies and services in future.

Allocation and Assignment

4. There are two levels of handling telecommunications numbers

and codes, viz. allocation and assignment.

(a) Allocation is the distribution of numbers and codes by the

CA to the telecommunications network operators, paging
services operators, MVNOs and SBO Licensees etc.
(collectively referred to as “operators”) on a block-by-block
basis; and

(b) Assignment is the actual designation of individual numbers

and codes to operators or end customers. In most of the
cases of end customers, the assignment is entrusted by the
CA to the operators providing the services.

Allocation Principles

5. In developing the allocation principles, the CA will ensure that

the following requirements are met:

(a) consumer interests should be properly taken care of;

(b) competition is to be promoted;

(c) allocations should encourage innovation in the provision of

telecommunications services;

(d) there is to be efficient use of numbers and codes; and

(e) the allocation procedures should be fair and technically and

economically feasible.

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6. The approach taken by the CA in its management of the Hong
Kong Numbering Plan is as follows:

(a) the CA should ensure that number allocations are consistent

with the numbering and code plan and other relevant
regulatory instruments;

(b) the CA should deal with number and code allocation

requests in a timely manner;

(c) the CA should be responsive to applicants in providing

information and assistance in relation to number and code
allocation requests;

(d) the CA should ensure that number and code allocations

foster user convenience and ease of understanding and use;

(e) the CA should be fair and consistent in its application of the

allocation procedures; and

(f) the CA should promote stability for end users in the

administration of number and code allocation procedures.

7. The principles and application procedures for the

allocation/assignment of numbers and codes for different types of
operators are given in the appendices to this CoP as follows:

(a) Appendix 3 «Guidance Notes for the Submission of

Application for the Number Block(s)/Codes for the Fixed
Services, Mobile Services, Paging Services and
Machine-to-Machine Services in Hong Kong» – provides
the principles and application procedures for the
allocation/assignment of numbers and codes for the fixed
services, mobile services, paging services and
machine-to-machine (M2M) services.

(b) Appendix 4 «Allocation of Subscriber Numbers and

Assignment of Mobile Network Code (MNC) to Mobile
Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)» – provides the
principles and application procedures for the
allocation/assignment of numbers and codes for MVNOs.

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 (c) Appendix 5 «Allocation of Subscriber Numbers to SBO
Class 1 and Class 2 Licensees» – provides the principles and
application procedures for the allocation of numbers for
Class 12 and Class 23 services operated by SBO Licensees.

Assignment Principles

8. For efficient assignment of telecommunications numbers and

codes to end customers, operators should observe the following principles:

(a) assignment of numbers and codes by operators to end

customers and their service offerings must comply with this
CoP and the statements issued by the CA related to the
numbering issues. The assignment principles of
telecommunications numbers for Class 3 service 4 operated
by SBO Licensees are given in Appendix 6 «Assignment
Principles of Telecommunications Numbers for SBO Class 3
Licensees». The assignment principles of fixed network
numbers to Direct-Dialling-In (DDI) services are given in
Appendix 7 «Assignment Principles of Fixed Network
Numbers for Direct-Dialling-In (DDI) Services». The
assignment principles of M2M numbers are given in
Appendix 8 «Assignment Principles of “4500X” Numbers
for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Services»;

(b) operators to whom the CA has delegated the administration

of the assignment process must treat customers equitably and
fairly;
(c) each of the operators will maintain a record of the numbers
and codes under its administration in accordance with the
CA’s guidelines;
(d) operators should recover immediately any numbers or codes
which have been given up by customers leaving the service
(except for number portability requirements) or which are no
longer used for a particular service. The recovered
numbers/codes should be recycled for use within six months;

2
“Class 1 service” means an internal telecommunications service as described in Special Condition
(SC) 15.1 of the SBO Licence.
3
“Class 2 service” means an internal telecommunications service as described in SC 15.1 of the SBO
Licence.
4
“Class 3 service” means a telecommunications service as described in SC 15.1 of the SBO Licence.

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 (e) unless otherwise specified in this CoP or specifically
approved by the CA, all numbers and codes in the Hong
Kong Numbering Plan should allow “any-to-any
communication” i.e. a calling party can reach a called party
by dialling the number or code of the called party,
irrespective of the networks (mobile and fixed inclusive)
used by the calling party and the called party and irrespective
of whether the calling party is calling from overseas or from
a local station; and

(f) operators allocated with the Hong Kong telephone numbers

for the provision of Class 1 and Class 2 services should not
sell or pass the numbers to overseas operators for assignment
to their customers. The licensees should maintain a direct
supplier-customer relationship with the end-users assigned
with the numbers and codes in the Hong Kong Numbering
Plan, or be involved in operating or maintaining the Class 1
or Class 2 service enjoyed by the end users assigned with
these numbers.

Number Fee

9. Operators shall note that subject to licence fee structure

applicable to their licences, an annual number fee shall be charged for each
subscriber number allocated to operators regardless of whether the
subscriber number has been assigned to end user or not. A subscriber
number is a number in the numbering plan within numbering blocks
allocated by the CA to a licensee, which may be assigned by the licensee to
its customer for use of a telecommunications service. The numbers which
fall within such meaning and subject to number fee are given in
Appendix 9 «Telecommunications Numbers subject to Number Fee».

Number Return Principles

10. The number return principles and the return procedures are
given in Appendix 10 «Guidance Notes for the Return of Numbers for the
Fixed Services, Mobile Services and Paging Services in Hong Kong».

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International Numbering Resources

11. Operators shall only use international telecommunication

numbering resources specified in the ITU-T Recommendations which
have been assigned by the CA for the purposes for which they were
assigned. Operators shall ensure that they do not use unassigned resources.

The Communications Authority

August 2021

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 Appendix 1

Description of the Numbering Plan

Leading
Description
Digit(s)
00 Access codes for International Direct Dial (IDD) services.
000 Reserved for future expansion.
Prime access code for IDD calls via the network the customer has chosen as his/her access
001
line provider.
To be used for the time being as the access code for IDD data/facsimile calls via the
002 network the customer has chosen as his/her access line provider, pending a review of
whether it is necessary to separate voice and data calls in future.
Access codes for IDD voice/data/facsimile of individual fixed network to gain access to
003-009 the international gateways i.e. a customer can make IDD calls via a particular network of
his/her own choice even though he/she may originate a call from another network.
01-09 Reserved for future trunk access to other places in the region.
10 Short codes for various fixed/mobile services.
110-111,
Short codes, possibly harmonised in some cases with those in use elsewhere in the region.
113-119
112 Emergency code for all mobile services.
12 Short codes for various fixed/mobile services.
130-132 Reserved
133 Code for blocking calling number display on a per call basis.
134 Reserved
1357 Code for unblocking calling number display transmission for a particular call.
136-139 Reserved
Network identifiers (NI) used by Unified Carrier (UC) Licensees which are authorised to
14 provide fixed services (hereafter referred to as “Fixed Services Licensees”), mobile
licensees and SBO Licensees offering Class 1 service for number portability.
15-16 Service access codes for external telecommunications services.
17 Short codes for various fixed/mobile services.
Special service codes, which involve high volume of traffic, shall be standardised and
18 portable across various fixed networks for commonly provided services. Examples are
telemarketing and telebetting.
Network test codes and routing codes for carriers/operators of external
19
telecommunications services, fixed services and mobile services.
200 Calling card services operated by Fixed Services Licensees.
Numbers for the fixed services except Class 2 service. Numbers shall be portable across
201-206
networks of Fixed Services Licensees and SBO Licensees offering Class 1 service.
207-209 Calling card services operated by the Fixed Services Licensees.
Numbers for the fixed services except Class 2 service. Numbers shall be portable across
210-229
networks of Fixed Services Licensees and SBO Licensees offering Class 1 service.

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Leading
Description
Digit(s)
Numbers for the fixed services except Class 2 service. Numbers shall be portable across
23-29
networks of Fixed Services Licensees and SBO Licensees offering Class 1 service.
Numbers for Class 3 services. Numbers shall be portable across fixed networks. These
numbers are normally assigned by Fixed Services Licensees to SBO Licensees. For the
30
avoidance of doubt, these numbers shall not be used for Class 1 or Class 2 service
operated under the SBO Licence.
Numbers for the fixed services except Class 2 service. Numbers shall be portable across
31
networks of Fixed Services Licensees and SBO Licensees offering Class 1 service.
32-33 Reserved for future migration of numbering plan to longer digits.
Numbers for the fixed services except Class 2 service. Numbers shall be portable across
34-39
networks of Fixed Services Licensees and SBO Licensees offering Class 1 service.
For either network numbers (“NN”) or mobile services. NN shall be used by Fixed
40-44,
Services Licensees, mobile licensees and SBO Licensees offering Class 1 service for
451-459,
number portability. Numbers for mobile services shall be portable across mobile
46-49
networks.
For M2M services. Numbers shall be assigned to machines but not subscribers. Numbers
4500 shall not be portable across networks and not be mandated to route across networks.
Numbers shall not be used for voice and SMS communications.
4501-4509 Reserved for future development of M2M services.
500 Reserved for special services.
501-509 Codes for value-added SMS/MMS including a service indicator in the third digit.
51-57, 59 For mobile services. Numbers shall be portable across mobile networks.
58 Numbers for Class 2 service used by Fixed Services Licensees or the SBO Licensees.
600 Reserved for special services.
601-699 For mobile services. Numbers shall be portable across mobile networks.
700 Reserved for special services.
701-709 For mobile services. Numbers shall be portable across mobile networks.
For either paging services or mobile services. Numbers for mobile services shall be
71-73
portable across mobile networks.
74-79 Reserved for future migration to longer digits numbering plan.
Freephone services operated by Fixed Services Licensees and numbers shall be portable
800 across fixed networks. Depending on the actual service arrangement, this number range
may not be accessible to an overseas caller.
Reserved for future freephone expansion. Numbers shall be portable across fixed
801-809
networks.
For either personal number service or mobile services. Numbers for personal number
81-83 service and mobile services shall be portable across fixed networks and mobile networks
respectively.
84-87, 89 For mobile services. Numbers shall be portable across mobile networks.
88 Reserved for future migration of numbering plan to longer digits.
Paid-for information services including a service indicator in the fourth digit. Numbers
900
shall be shared by all fixed operators in a fair and equitable manner.
901-989 For mobile services. Numbers shall be portable across mobile networks.

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Leading
Description
Digit(s)
99 For emergency services.

********************

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 Appendix 2
Classification of Short Codes

Allocation of Short Codes

Short codes are defined as those telephone numbers which

consist of no more than 7 digits in length. They are either used for services
with high volume of traffic so that public telecommunications networks
will not be unduly overloaded or where expeditious access by customers is
required. Examples are the enquiry services and hotlines provided by the
UC licensees (with provision of fixed services authorised) (hereafter
referred as “fixed operators”) under the “10X” and “12X” codes, the
“188X” telebetting services provided by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the
“180” payment-by-phone services provided by the banking industry and
utility companies and the “999” emergency services. Since short codes are
valuable scarce resources, any request for allocation of a short code will be
scrutinised by the CA closely.

Categories of Short Codes

2. The CA classifies the short codes into the following three

categories:

Category 1 Codes which are universally accessible by

customers and universally allocated to all
operators e.g. “99X” for emergency
services;

Category 2 Codes which are universally accessible by

customers and allocated to a single operator
e.g. “10X”, “12X”, “15XX”, “16XX”,
“17X” and “20X” codes; and

Category 3 Codes which in general will not be passed

across networks and are universally
allocated to all operators e.g. “108X” for the
directory enquiry services, “109” for the
fault reporting services and “1850X” for
time and temperature services. However,
operators are permitted to pass these codes
across networks under bilateral or
multilateral commercial arrangements.

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3. All the short codes will be classified into the above three
categories in the Numbering Plan for ease of reference by the operators.

Short Code Assignment to Fixed and Mobile Operators

4. In order to utilise the short codes more efficiently and

effectively, the CA may assign to every fixed operator a “10”-prefix or
“12”-prefix code and every mobile operator (including MVNO) a
“17”-prefix code for their various customer enquiry, hotlines requirements
and operator-assisted services. Depending on their own operational
requirements, the fixed and mobile operators can be flexible with the
application and the digit length of the allocated short codes provided that
they do not exceed 7 digits in length. In addition, the use of these short
codes should not duplicate those services which have already been catered
for under a separate numbering range in the Numbering Plan. Except for
the “18” level, all short codes and their sub-levels should not be assigned to
customers under any circumstances. However, subject to compliance with
the licence conditions and relevant legislative provisions, as the case may
be, concerning the prohibition of anti-competitive practices and abuse of
dominant position, operators which simultaneously own and operate fixed
and mobile networks are allowed to implement and use the allocated
“10”-prefix or “12”-prefix and “17”-prefix codes in their fixed and mobile
operations provided that they comply with the above restrictions and
requirements.

Short Code Assignment to SBO Licensees for the provision of

External Telecommunications Services

5. To enable an easy and convenient customer access to the

external telecommunications services offered under the SBO Licences, the
CA will assign to each licensee a unique 4-digit “15XX” or “16XX” short
code as service access code. The licensees may, at their own discretion,
extend the digit length of the assigned short codes from 4 digits to a
maximum of 5 digits in length.

*********************

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 Appendix 3

Guidance Notes for the Submission of Application for the

Number Block(s)/Codes for the Fixed Services,
Mobile Services, Paging Services and Machine-to-Machine Services in
Hong Kong

1. Introduction

1.1 Application should be submitted to the Communications Authority

(CA) at the following address:

The Communications Authority

Office of the Communications Authority
29/F Wu Chung House
213 Queen’s Road East
Wanchai
Hong Kong

or

via online submission using the e-application form available at

https://eform.one.gov.hk/form/oca008/en/.

1.2 Enquiries concerning these Guidance Notes should be addressed to:

Principal Regulatory Affairs Manager, Regulatory Section 13

Office of the Communications Authority
Telephone No. : +852 2961 6367
Facsimile No. : +852 2803 5112
Email : [email protected]

1.3 The Communications Authority is not bound by this document to grant a

number block or code to any applicant.

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2. General Principles

2.1 Processing of an application will normally take a maximum of 8

working days from the date of receipt of the application complete with
all the required documents and supporting materials. Specifically,
when applying for additional numbers, the applicant shall submit
supporting information demonstrating that the utilisation rate of the
numbers already allocated to it is equal to or greater than 80% (the
Minimum Utilisation Rate)

2.2 The successful applicant will be invited for a balloting session to draw
the required type of number block(s)/code(s) from a pool which is
pre-determined by the CA in a fair, reasonable and transparent manner.

2.3 The CA has adopted the first-come-first-served principle whereby the

priority of an applicant applying for relevant number block(s)/code(s)
will be determined from the date and time when its application,
complete with all the required documents and supporting materials, is
received by the CA.

2.4 If the whole block of allocated number(s) or the code(s) is not

implemented in the network within 12 months from the date of
approval, it will automatically be withdrawn by the CA.

2.5 If an application is rejected by the CA, the applicant may appeal by

filing a formal written request to the CA through registered post.
Within 14 working days from the receipt of the request, the CA shall
inform the applicant of the result of the appeal and the reasons for the
determination.

For Fixed Services under the Unified Carrier (UC) Licence

(paragraphs 2.6-2.9(B))

2.6 If the applicant is to launch a new fixed network service, it needs to

give full technical and operational details before the application for the
required numbers is considered. For each successful application of
numbers to launch basic telephone services5, the CA will allocate a 10k
number block while for each successful application of numbers to
launch Class 2 service, the CA will allocate a 10k number block to the
applicant.

2.7 For additional numbers for the existing basic telephone service, the
applicant should have achieved the Minimum Utilisation Rate
specified in paragraph 2.1 above with the number blocks already
allocated to it. Otherwise the applicant needs to give justification.
Without prejudice to paragraph 2.26, for successful application, the
5
For the purpose of this Appendix, basic telephone services refer to direct exchange line, facsimile
line, centrex line and direct dialling in (DDI) line.

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 CA will allocate one 10k block or more with an amount of numbers
equal to six times its average monthly number demand, to be rounded
up to the nearest 10k numbers, to the applicant.

For additional numbers for Class 2 service, the applicant should have
achieved the Minimum Utilisation Rate specified in paragraph 2.1
above with the number blocks already allocated to it. Otherwise the
applicant needs to give justification. Without prejudice to paragraph
2.26, for successful application, the CA will allocate one 10k block or
more with an amount of numbers equal to six times its average
monthly number demand, to be rounded up to the nearest 10k numbers,
to the applicant.

2.7(A) For the personal numbering service, no more personal numbers will be
allocated to fixed operators with effect from 1 January 2009.

2.8 For additional numbers for information services or Class 3 service, the
applicant should have achieved the Minimum Utilisation Rate
specified in paragraph 2.1 above with the number blocks already
allocated to it. Otherwise the applicant needs to give justification. The
CA will allocate 10k numbers to the successful applicant.

2.9 For additional numbers for freephone services, the applicant should
have achieved the Minimum Utilisation Rate specified in paragraph
2.1 above with the number blocks already allocated to it. Otherwise
the applicant needs to give justification. The CA will allocate 1,000 (or
1k) numbers to the successful applicant.

2.9(A) For additional 7-digit “18” short codes for services of high volume of
traffic, the applicant should have achieved a minimum utilisation rate
of 80% with the block or blocks of “18” short codes already allocated
to it. Otherwise the applicant needs to give justification. The CA will
allocate 1k block of the 7-digit “18” short codes to the applicant.

2.9(B) For any application for 5 or less digits “18” short code(s), the applicant
should submit the application to the CA directly or through the Fixed
Services Licensees providing the fixed services. The application
should enclose all the necessary supporting justification and
information for using the required short code(s). If the application is
accepted and approved by the CA, the applicant will then be assigned
directly with the required “18” short code(s). In considering the
application, the CA will use the following criteria:

(a) There is a strong public demand and interest for the service in the
community;

(b) The service provider must be a public organisation, utility

company or non-profit making entity;

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 (c) The service must be of a type that generates extremely high
volume of traffic which involves mass calling. The applicant
must obtain the support from the relevant fixed services
providers who provide the required network service to the
applicant; and

(d) The service provider must be equipped with sufficient equipment

and manpower resources in order to provide a satisfactory
service.

For Class 1 and Class 2 Services under the Services-Based

Operator (SBO) Licence (paragraphs 2.10-2.11)

2.10 If the applicant is to launch Class 1 or Class 2 service, it needs to give

full technical and operational details before the application for the
required numbers will be considered. For successful application, the
CA will allocate a 10k number block for the relevant class of service to
the applicant (i.e. two 10k number blocks if both Class 1 and Class 2
services are applied).

2.11 For additional numbers for either the Class 1 or Class 2 service, the
applicant should have achieved the Minimum Utilisation Rate
specified in paragraph 2.1 above with the respective type of number
blocks already allocated to it. Otherwise the applicant needs to give
justification. Without prejudice to paragraph 2.26, for successful
application, the CA will allocate one 10k block or more with an
amount of numbers equal to six times its average monthly number
demand, to be rounded up to the nearest 10k numbers, to the applicant.

For Mobile Services (paragraphs 2.12- 2.13)

2.12 If the applicant is to launch a new mobile service, it needs to give full
technical and operational details before the application for the required
numbers is considered. For each successful application to launch
mobile service for subscribers, the CA will allocate a 10k number
block to the applicant.

2.13 For additional numbers for existing mobile service, the applicant
should have achieved the Minimum Utilisation Rate specified in
paragraph 2.1 above with the number blocks already allocated to it.
Otherwise the applicant needs to give justification. Without prejudice
to paragraph 2.26, for successful application, the CA will allocate one
10k block or more with an amount of numbers equal to six times its
average monthly number demand, to be rounded up to the nearest 10k
numbers, to the applicant.

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 For Paging Services (paragraphs 2.14-2.16)

2.14 If the applicant is to launch a new paging service, it needs to give full
technical and operational details before the application for the required
numbers is considered.

2.15 For additional numbers for the existing automatic/secretarial service,

the applicant should have achieved the Minimum Utilisation Rate
specified in paragraph 2.1 above with the number blocks already
allocated to it. Otherwise the applicant needs to give justification. For
successful application, the CA will allocate one 10k block or more with
an amount of numbers equal to six times its average monthly number
demand, to be rounded up to the nearest 10k numbers, to the applicant.

2.16 For additional numbers for the existing operator-assisted service, the
CA will consider whether the traffic of the installed telephone lines
will justify additional number block(s). If the application is successful,
the CA will allocate one 1k block for calling and one 1k block for
replying.

For M2M Services (paragraphs 2.16(A)-2.16(B))

2.16(A) If the applicant is to launch a new M2M service, it needs to give full
technical and operational details before the application for the required
numbers is considered. For each successful application to launch
mobile service for subscribers, the CA will allocate a 100k number
block to the applicant.

2.16(B) For additional numbers for existing M2M service, the applicant should
have achieved the Minimum Utilisation Rate specified in paragraph
2.1 above with the number blocks already allocated to it. Otherwise
the applicant needs to give justification. Without prejudice to
paragraph 2.26, for successful application, the CA will allocate one
100k block or more with an amount of numbers equal to six times its
average monthly number demand, to be rounded up to the nearest 100k
numbers, to the applicant.

International Signalling Point Codes (ISPC) (paragraphs

2.17-2.18)

2.17 External facilities-based and service-based operators who establish

direct C7 signalling links and interconnections with overseas carriers
are entitled to apply for and use ISPCs.

2.18 For additional ISPCs, the external facilities-based and service-based

operators have to show that all the assigned ISPCs have already been
fully utilised and that they have new or additional requirements for
ISPCs. If the application is considered justified, the CA will then
assign additional ISPCs to them.

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 Signalling Point Codes (SPC) (paragraphs 2.19-2.22)

2.19 Network operators (mobile network operators and fixed network

operators which include external facilities-based operators), MVNOs,
SBO Licensees and other telecommunications service providers
operating a C7 signalling network or switch are entitled to apply for
and use SPCs. Unless prior approval from the CA is obtained, the
SPCs should be solely used by the operator to whom the SPCs have
been assigned.

2.20 The CA will assign initially 64 SPCs to a newly licensed network

operator (either a mobile operator or fixed operator which may be an
external facilities-based operator) who has a need to operate a C7
signalling switch/network with local carriers.

2.21 The CA will assign initially 8 SPCs to a newly licensed

telecommunications service provider (e.g. MVNO, SBO Licensee and
external telecommunications service provider) who has a need to
operate a C7 signalling switch/network with local carriers.

2.22 For any additional requirements of SPCs, the applicant should have
achieved a minimum utilisation rate of 90% with the SPCs already
assigned to it before application for the additional SPCs may be
considered. For each successful application, the CA will assign 64
additional SPCs to a network operator and 8 SPCs to a
non-facility-based operator.

Data Network Identification Code (DNIC) (paragraphs

2.23-2.23(A))

2.23 Only operator operating a packet-switched public data network with

X.75 interconnection with other public data networks or fixed network
operator operating Public Switched Telephone Network or Integrated
Services Digital Network interworking with public data networks is
entitled to apply for and use a DNIC.

2.23(A) Applicant should give full technical and operational details before the
application for a DNIC is considered. For successful application, the
CA will assign one DNIC to the applicant.

Calculation Method of Utilisation Rate (paragraphs 2.24-2.24(B))

2.24 The calculation method used by the CA in calculating the utilisation

rate of the number block(s)/code(s) (other than fixed numbers,
personal numbers and mobile numbers) already allocated to an
applicant is:

Utilisation Rate = (A + B)/(total capacity of allocated number

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 block(s)/code(s) for the service(s)) x 100%

Where A = total capacity of number block(s)/code(s)

assigned to active customers at the time of
application

B = total capacity of number block(s)/code(s)

reserved for inactive customers who have left
the service(s) for the last 6 months calculated
from the date of application

2.24(A) A fixed network operator may divide its allocated basic telephone
services numbers up to a maximum of three categories (i.e. Direct
Exchange Line (DEL), NGN (New Platform) and Direct-Dialling-In
(DDI)). The regrouping of the number blocks from one category to
another needs prior approval from the CA. The calculation method
used by the CA in calculating the utilisation rate of each category of
fixed numbers and personal numbers already allocated to an applicant
is:

Utilisation Rate = (A + B + C) / T x 100%

Where A = Total capacity of originally allocated

fixed/personal numbers assigned to active
customers at the time of application

B = Total capacity of originally allocated

fixed/personal numbers reserved for inactive
customers who have left the service(s) for the
last 6 months calculated from the date of
application

C = Total capacity of ported-out fixed/personal

numbers under number portability at the time
of application

T = Total capacity of originally allocated

fixed/personal numbers

2.24(B) The calculation method used by the CA in calculating the utilisation

rate of mobile numbers already allocated to an applicant is:

Utilisation Rate = (A + B + C + D) / T x 100%

Where A = Total capacity of originally allocated mobile

numbers assigned to active customers at the
time of application

B = Total capacity of originally allocated mobile

numbers reserved for inactive customers who

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 have left the service(s) for the last 6 months
calculated from the date of application

C = Total capacity of ported-out mobile numbers

under number portability at the time of
application

D = Total capacity of originally allocated mobile

numbers used for supporting call routing,
including handover numbers, roaming
numbers, global title numbers, etc. (i.e. not
greater than 1% of the total capacity of
originally allocated mobile numbers)

T = Total capacity of originally allocated mobile

numbers

Codes for Value-added SMS / MMS (paragraph 2.25)

2.25 The codes “50(1-9)” are allocated for value-added short message
service (SMS) / multimedia messaging service (MMS). Unified
Carrier Licensees providing mobile services are entrusted by the CA to
administer these codes. The CA may appoint other operators (e.g.
Fixed Services Licensees and MVNOs offering SMS / MMS) to
administer these codes.

Amount of Additional Number Blocks Allocated for Basic

Telephone Service, Class 1 Service, Class 2 Service, Mobile Service
or M2M Service (paragraph 2.26)

2.26 In processing an application for additional numbers for basic telephone

service, Class 1 service, Class 2 service, mobile service or M2M
service, the CA will in general allocate to a successful applicant an
amount of number block(s) as calculated in accordance with paragraph
2.7, 2.11, 2.13 or 2.16(B) above (as the case may be). In exceptional
circumstances, the CA may consider, on a case by case basis,
allocation to a successful applicant number blocks in excess of the
amount as calculated to cater for sudden surge in demand for numbers,
provided that full justifications and realistic demand forecast are given.

3. Information to be provided by Applicant

3.1 In order to facilitate the CA to process an application, the applicant has

to supply the following information:

(a) Name of company and contact person;

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 (b) Address of company, facsimile number and telephone number of
the contact person;

(c) Details of the service: whether the applicant intends to launch a

new service or to expand/improve an existing service;

(d) The requirement of the number blocks/codes and indication of

any preferences;

(e) Operational and technical details relating to the requirement of

the number block(s)/code(s);

(f) For the expansion/improvement of the existing services, an

applicant needs to give the justification for the additional number
block(s)/code(s) required. Information regarding the utilisation
of numbers/codes in the existing number block(s)/code(s), the
amount of numbers/codes which are recovered and recycled at
each month for the past six months from the date of application,
type of services, forecast of customer growth and the way to
deploy the new number block(s)/code(s) is required for
evaluation;

(g) If an applicant applies for new number block(s) to expand or to

improve his existing operator-assisted paging service, then in
addition to the requirement in (f) above, it needs to supply the
traffic data of the telephone lines that it has currently installed;

(h) If an applicant applies for number blocks/codes to launch a new

service, it needs to explain and give full operational and technical
details of the proposed service; and

(i) The target service launch date.

3.2 For application for ISPCs and SPCs, the applicant is required to submit
the following additional information:

(a) Schematic of the C7 switch/network set-up showing the types

and interconnection with local and overseas carriers;

(b) Model and type of the C7 signalling equipment;

(c) Documentary evidence to prove that the C7 signalling equipment

are in compliance with the revenant ITU-T standards (e.g. Q.7xx
series);

(d) Physical address of the installation at the Hong Kong end;

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(e) At least one planned C7 signalling interconnection with overseas
carriers, with name and address of distant signalling point,
location of distant signalling point, and ISPC of distant
signalling point, if known; and

(f) In-service date of the ISPCs and SPCs (month/year).

********************************

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 Appendix 4

Allocation of Subscriber Numbers and Assignment of Mobile

Network Code (MNC) to Mobile Virtual Network Operators
(MVNOs)

Subscriber numbers and MNC may be allocated/assigned to a

licensed MVNO if it meets the following requirements:

(a) Provide, or intend to provide, mobile services to a customer

base, including the general public;

(b) Provide its own mobile switching and gateway

infrastructure, for circuit and/or packet switched traffic;

(c) Enter into its own interconnection and roaming agreements;

(d) Provide its own business support systems, such as billing

and customer care;

(e) Maintain its own Home Location Register of subscribers (or

equivalent functionality);

(f) Satisfy requirements for call control, as required by the CA

and normally associated with an operator (such as
emergency calls, number portability etc.); and

(g) Issue its own SIM cards.

2. The MVNO applying for subscriber numbers and MNC should

submit sufficient justifications and information to the CA in supporting its
application of MNC and subscriber numbers. Upon the completion of the
equipment installation or service launch of the MVNO concerned, the CA
may, if necessary, conduct a physical audit of the MVNO’s installed
equipment or ask the MVNO to supply additional information in order to
verify whether the MVNO has already fulfilled the requirements given in
(a) to (g) above.

*******************

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 Appendix 5

Allocation of Subscriber Numbers to

SBO Class 1 and Class 2 Licensees

Subscriber numbers may be allocated to SBO Licensees if they

meet the following requirements:

(a) Provide, or intend to provide, Class 1 or Class 2 service to

the general public and any local customer;

(b) Provide their own service platforms, such as IP

infrastructure and media gateway for interfacing with the
hosting Fixed Services Licensees; and

(c) Provide their own business support system, including the

billing and customer care systems.

2. The CA may inspect the applicant’s installed equipment or ask

the applicant to furnish the relevant information in order that it may verify
that the applicant fulfils the requirements given in (a) – (c) at all time.

*******************

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 Appendix 6

Assignment Principles of Telecommunications Numbers for

SBO Class 3 Licensees

Classification of Class 3 Services

In the Hong Kong Numbering Plan, telecommunications

numbers with leading digit “30” are reserved for Class 3 service for which
no specific numbers under the Hong Kong Numbering Plan have been
assigned. These numbers are normally assigned by the fixed operators to
the SBOs. Fixed operators may also use these numbers for the provision of
similar services under their licences. Based on the numbering usage and
the operational nature, Class 3 service can be broadly classified into two
groups:

Group 1

2. Group 1 services are Internet access services, facsimile/data

store and forward services, electronic data interchange, database access
and retrieval, IDD-type of services including International Simple Resale
(ISR) voice, data and fax services, calling card services and etc. These
services usually make use of Direct Exchange Lines (DEL) or Direct
Dialling In (DDI) lines for connection to the fixed networks. Customers
subscribing to these services usually access the services by dialling a prime
number with the leading digits “30”.

Group 2

3. Group 2 services are public messaging services whereby each

customer subscribing to the services is assigned with a unique “30”
number as the access number for his/her personal mailbox. Callers will
dial this unique “30” number to deposit messages in the called party’s
mailbox and the messages can be voice, fax or electronic mail. The
services usually make use of DDI lines for connection to the fixed network.

Assignment of “30” Numbers to SBOs under Normal Applications

4. For Group 1 Class 3 services, the maximum circuit-to-number

ratios for DEL and DDI lines are 1:1 and 1:5 respectively.

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5. For Group 2 Class 3 service, SBOs could request for the
assignment of up to a maximum of 300 numbers from the fixed operator
for every installed or additional T1 circuit or 24 DDI circuits. The
maximum ratio of circuit-to-number for DDI service is 1:12.5.

Assignment of “30” Numbers to SBOs under Special Circumstances

6. If an SBO operator has an operational need to use more numbers

than that available from the normal assignment, it can submit an
application together with its reasons and justifications to the CA stating its
required circuit-to-number requirement. The CA will study the operator’s
request based on the operational requirements, service nature, traffic
demand and the existing utilisation of “30” numbers already assigned to
the operator. If the application is successful, the CA will issue an approval
letter to the requesting operators to facilitate it to apply for the required
numbers from the fixed operator.

*******************

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 Appendix 7

Assignment Principles of Fixed Network Numbers for

Direct-Dialling-In (DDI) Services

Assignment of DDI Numbers to Customers of PABX Systems by Fixed

Services Licensees and SBO Licensees

Direct-Dialling-In (DDI) numbers are assigned to corporate

customers for the provision of telephone extensions in private automatic
branch exchange (PABX) systems.

2. To cater for DDI numbers requirement of a customer installed

with a PABX system, the Fixed Services Licensees or SBO Licensees (the
telecommunications licensees) could assign a basic quantum of 100 DDI
numbers to the customer.

3. However, if customers have actual requirements of using more

than 100 DDI numbers, the telecommunications licensees could assign in
multiple of 100 DDI numbers to the customers according to a) the ratio of
circuit-to-number of 1:12.5 for incoming only DDI circuits; and b) the ratio
of circuit-to-number of 1:6.3 for new both way DDI circuits (both way
circuits refer to both the incoming and outgoing traffic can be put through
on the same circuits). The amount of numbers to be assigned to customers
would be rounded up to the nearest 100 DDI numbers.

4. For exceptional cases where customers (such as hotels) with

relatively low traffic volume per PABX extension compared with the
ordinary office operation, the telecommunications licensees could assign
DDI numbers (in multiple of 100) to cater for the user’s requirement
according to the actual number of installed extensions.

*********************

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 Appendix 8

Assignment Principles of “4500X” Numbers for

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Services

M2M communications refer to the communications between

machines where transmission of data is automated with minimal or no
human intervention or control. The 12-digit “4500X” M2M numbers
should be assigned to identify machines for M2M communications, instead
of for person-to-person communications. Devices such as mobile phones,
dongles, tablets and portable Wi-Fi devices (such as Wi-Fi eggs and Wi-Fi
routers) are typically used by general consumers for person-to-person
communications. Therefore the 12-digit “4500X” numbers are not
assigned for communications using such devices.

2. In differentiating the “4500X” M2M numbers from the ordinary

subscriber numbers, operators should note the following characteristics in
the assignment of “4500X” numbers:

(a) The numbers should be in the length of 12 digits.

(b) The numbers shall not be required to support number

portability.

(c) No mandatory requirement of inter-network routing is

imposed on the numbers. Operators may freely enter into
commercial arrangements with their interconnecting
partners for routing of 12-digit “4500X” M2M numbers
across networks based on their own business decisions.

(d) The numbers should not be used for voice and ordinary SMS
applications where the SMS messages are intended to be
read by human rather than by machines. In case any M2M
application would require communications via ordinary
SMS messages, operators should assign ordinary 8-digit
subscriber numbers for the application.

3. Mobile network operators, MVNOs, fixed network operators,

services-based operators in providing Class 1 or Class 2 service, and
paging operators who provide M2M communications through the public

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telecommunications network using E.164 numbers may apply for the
allocation of “4500X” M2M numbers.

*********************

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 Appendix 9

Telecommunications Numbers subject to Number Fee

Operators are required under their respective licences to pay the

number fee for subscriber numbers of the following number levels
allocated by the CA.

Number Levels Remark

2X Exclude those levels for the provision
of calling card services (i.e. 200X,
207X, 208X, 209X).

3X Exclude the levels for the provision of

access codes reserved for number
translation devices (i.e. 3000)

4X Exclude the levels for the provision of

network numbers and
Machine-to-Machine (M2M) services
(i.e. 4500X).

5X Exclude those levels reserved for

special services and value-added
SMS/MMS services (i.e. 500X,
50(1-9)X).

6X Exclude the level reserved for special

services (i.e. 600X).

7X Exclude the level reserved for special

services (i.e. 700X).

8X
9X Exclude those levels for provision of
information services and emergency
services (i.e. 900X, 99X).

*********************

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 Appendix 10

Guidance Notes for the Return of Numbers

for the Fixed Services,
Mobile Services and Paging Services in Hong Kong

1. Introduction

1.1 Return of numbers should be submitted to the Communications

Authority (CA) at the following address:

The Communications Authority

Office of the Communications Authority
29/F Wu Chung House
213 Queen’s Road East
Wanchai
Hong Kong

1.2 Enquiries concerning these Guidance Notes should be addressed to:

Principal Regulatory Affairs Manager, Regulatory Section 13

Office of the Communications Authority
Telephone No. : +852 2961 6367
Facsimile No. : +852 2803 5112
Email : [email protected]

1.3 The Communications Authority is not bound by this document for the
return of numbers by any applicant.

2. General Principles

2.1 Return of non-contiguous numbers from applicants is accepted on a

condition that they accept re-allocation of formerly returned numbers
when they have new demand for numbers in future. The applicant may
however choose, among the formerly returned numbers, the preferred
prefixes that it wishes to be allocated on the subsequent applications for
additional numbers.

2.2 An applicant may return unassigned numbers at most once in a licensing

year and no additional numbers will be allocated to this applicant within
a period of six months from the date of its last return of numbers.

2.3 An applicant should submit a written request together with an electronic

file containing all the numbers to be returned. The format and the
structure of the electronic file are given in Appendix 10A «Format and
Structure of the Electronic File for the Return of Numbers». The
quantity of returned numbers should be in multiples of 1,000.

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 The CA will check the format of the submitted file, the quantity of the
returned numbers, and will ensure that the returned numbers are within
the number blocks previously allocated to the applicant. The CA will
provide an acknowledgement, or otherwise a request for clarification, to
the applicant within 10 working days. The CA may conduct
sample-check to verify that the returned numbers are of ‘unassigned’ or
‘vacant’ status.

The numbers are considered ‘returned to the CA’ on the date when an
acknowledgement is sent by the CA to the applicant. If subsequently
any mismatch with the status of the return numbers are found, e.g.
through sample check or auditor’s certification, the applicant will be
required to make clarification or rectification on its former submission.

3. Information to be provided by Applicant

3.1 In order to facilitate the CA to process an application, the applicant has

to supply the following information:

(a) Name of applicant and contact person;

(b) Address of applicant, facsimile number and telephone number of

the contact person; and

(c) The electronic file (i.e. mentioned in 2.3 above) should be stored
in an electronic media e.g. CD/DVD.

*********************

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 Appendix 10A

Format and Structure of the Electronic File

for the Return of Numbers

The numbers listed in the file can be individual numbers or number ranges.
Each line shall be ended with a carriage return <CR> and a line feed <LF>. The format
of an electronic file is given below:

Line 1: Licence Number

Format <Licence_Type>-<Licence_Number>
Example UCL-001
Remarks <Licence_Type> are defined below:
UCL Unified Carrier Licence
MVN Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence
SBO Service-Based Operator Licence
PAG Public Radio Paging Licence

<Licence_Number> is a number indicating the licence number of the

licensee.

line 2: Number Return Request Submission Date

Format YYYY-MM-DD
Example 2009-01-23

line 3: Total quantity of returned numbers

Format <Integer>
Example 3000
Remarks The quantity of returned numbers must be a multiple of 1000.

line 4+: List of returned numbers

Format <Single_Number> or
<Single_Number>,<Location_Code> or
<Start_Range>-<End_Range> or
<Start_Range>-<End_Range>,<Location_Code>

Example 90102030
90102031,KT1
90102041-90103050
90104000-90105000,TST15
Remarks 1) The list of numbers and number ranges must be in ascending
order.

2) To indicate a range of numbers in one line, the start-number and

end-number (inclusive) are delimited by a hyphen (-).

3) The optional field <Location_Code> shall be separated from a

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 number or number range in the same line by a comma (,).

4) The <Location_Code> is determined by each operator. It must

consist of 3 to 5 alphanumeric characters only.

Sample File
File content UCL-001
2009-02-05
3000
90000000,TST
90001001-90003000,TST
90005123
90008001-90008998

**********************

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