History Log

Description

The NPA NXX Code Activation Process provides an overview of the Code Holder / Customer responsibilities and how they relate to Qwest Processes.

When you requests an NPA NXX within Qwest territory, the industry Central Office Code Assignment Guidelines (COCAG) and Qwest NPA NXX Code Activation processes apply.

Download the Qwest NPA NXX Code Activation Process Flow

Availability

NPA NXX Code Activation Process is available where facilities exist throughout Qwest's 14-state local service territory.

Terms and Conditions

The Application Process

The Industry Numbering Committee (INC) Central Office Code Assignment (COCA) Guidelines (COCAG) can be obtained at the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) home page.

The Central Office Code (NXX) Assignment Guidelines, ATIS-030051 specifies guidelines for the assignment of central office (CO) codes. Examples of uses for CO codes (NXX) for which these guidelines apply include plain old telephone service (POTS), Centrex, Direct Inward Dialing (DID), commercial cellular mobile service (CCMS) data lines, facsimile, coin phones, and customer owned pay phones. While these guidelines were developed at the direction of the FCC, they do not supersede controlling appropriate NANP Area governmental or regulatory principles, guidelines and requirements.

The COCAG will describe the steps necessary for and the time frames associated with requesting a new Central Office Code (NPA NXX), including:

• Issuing Part 1 to NANPA
• Completing Part 2 for RDBS & Business Integrated Rating and Routing Database System (BIRRDS) (Telecordia) input via an Administrative Operating Company Number (AOCN) provider
• Other "Criteria for the Assignment of Central Office Codes".

Timeline

Per COCAG: 6.1.2 Requests for code assignments cannot be made more than 6 months prior to the requested effective date. Applicants should request "effective dates" at least 66 calendar days after the date of receipt of the code request. This 66 calendar day interval is necessary because of the current standard 45 day activation (starting from the time the NXX code request is input to BIRRDS) for NXX code activation plus additional time (21 calendar days) required for code request processing. Expedited requests (activation in less than 66 calendar days) will increase the potential for call blocking and/or billing errors and should be avoided except in emergency cases. It should be noted that interconnection arrangements and facilities need to be in place prior to activation of a code. Such arrangements are outside the scope of these guidelines.

Qwest NPA Code Activation Timeline

Changes

COCAG also documents some of the activities or changes that would require a Code Applicant or Holder to notify the NANPA/Code Administrator (ATIS-030051 6.3.1). These include:

Any changes to the requested effective date Information changes, including, but not limited to:

• Operating Company Number (OCN)
• Transfer of a code to a different company
• Tandem homing arrangement
• Switching entity/POI
• Rate center

Trunking

Consider facility (trunking, collocation, etc.) needs early in your planning process. INC guidelines state, "Interconnection arrangements and facilities need to be in place prior to activation of a code." You will then have existing facilities/trunks in place to carry your local and toll traffic.

If not, work with your Qwest Account Team and/or Wholesale Service Delivery Coordinator to discuss your needs and have your orders issued as soon as possible.

Implementation

Ordering

Qwest has developed the NPA NXX Code Request Routing Form (previously known as the NPA NXX Code Request Supplement Form) to be used by customers when requesting an NPA NXX Code Activation. The form allows customers to provide additional detail regarding their service request and interconnection information. The routing form is not required on all code openings. Qwest makes every effort to determine the proper routing based on information contained in Access Service Requests (ASRs), Local Exchange Routing Guide (LERG) and from existing trunking records. However, there are times when the proper route is not discernable from the information available. When that happens, a routing form is requested and the routing order is held until the routing form is received. Qwest recommends that you fill out the routing form at the same time you are completing Part 2 (LERG input) and after you have complete trunk/facilities ordered or in place. This will ensure that every NPA NXX is routed to your specifications. Complete and accurate information must be received by the Qwest routing group 25 days prior to the activation due date. We suggest that you also share a copy with your Qwest Account Team contact. Routing forms can be sent to:

Qwest Routing Group
E-mail: routing@qwest.com
Fax: (303) 707-9578, a cover sheet is not necessary.

Maintenance and Repair

NPA NXX Trouble Reporting

When calling Qwest to report trouble that seems to be related to a recent Code Activation or Migration you should first verify the following:

• Code Activation: Interconnection arrangements and facilities need to be in place prior to activation of a code per ATIS / INC Central Office Code (NXX) Assignment Guidelines -IN95-0407-008 If you do not have existing facilities/trunks in place to carry your local and toll traffic , you will need to re-initiate the North American
  • Trouble In The Qwest Network: If Code Activation procedures have been followed and you have verified that the trouble is not in your network, as the code holder, you should contact Wholesale Repair Center to report the trouble.

With the above information the AMSC will be able to open the appropriate trouble ticket (TR) for this type of situation.

• Interval: The repair interval associated with these types of trouble (assuming all needed information is provided) is generally 2 to 4 hours. Severe blockage situations are handled as a top priority.
• Escalation Of Trouble Ticket & Status Requests: Escalations and status requests will be handled in the same manner as all designed service trouble tickets. Designed service trouble tickets are handled as a high priority.

Contacts

Contact	Toll Free Number	Information to Provide
Qwest Wholesale Repair Center	Utilize your normal trouble reporting channel into the Wholesale Repair Center or reach them via the main number at 800 223-7881.	The impacted trunk group serial number(s) or "2-6 Code" Company/Code Holder Name NPA NXX Indicate problem may be related to recent Activation, Migration, or other NPA NXX Code activity Is This a New Code? Yes or No If Yes, Is/Was the Requested Turn-up Date? Originating & Terminating Telephone Numbers affected Contact Name and Number Description of the Problem (Recent Activation, Effective Date, Blockage Severity, Any Other Detail to Help with Isolation of Trouble) Recording Trailer and Description (if available)
Escalation of Trouble Ticket
Contact	Toll Free Number	Information to Provide
Request Duty Supervisor or the Next Level of Supervision.	Utilize your normal trouble reporting channel into the Wholesale Repair Center or reach them via the main number at 800 223-7881.	Trouble Report Ticket Number

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section is being compiled based on your feedback.

Last Update: October 30, 2006