Iconectiv Seeks Competitive Process to Determine Toll-Free Administrator

almost any other service in telecom today, toll-free services are still based on an FCC approved tariffs. “The existing administrative structure for toll free numbering is an anachronistic accident of history,” said an iconetiv filing. “Over time, it has been stripped of the checks and balances envisioned by the Commission and it now operates as a Commission-authorized monopoly without adequate incentives for efficiency, transparency, or governance role for the intended beneficiaries.” The way the FCC approaches toll-free numbers “stands in sharp contrast to the pro-competitive, contract-based approach that the Commission has taken with respect to other numbering administrator roles,” the company said. An industry lawyer said the service costs responsible organizations, including carriers, $65 million per year. Providers file data under seal. Transparency is lacking because of the tariff-based system, iconetiv said, and its history managing databases shows “a competitive contract approach would lead to significant cost-savings to the industry and consumers, while simultaneously allowing for more modern commercial protections for the Commission and users that are not provided under the tariff arrangement.” Somos "works tirelessly to benefit the dynamic Toll-Free industry in our role as an independent” administrator, emailed Ann Berkowitz, senior vice president. Somos administers the database. “We welcome the opportunity to demonstrate the success of this relationship and the positive impact it has on the Toll-Free industry,” Berkowitz said.