14.03.2025

The National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) has launched a public consultation on a draft decision aimed at supplementing and clarifying the regulatory framework on obtaining the right to use numbering resources in cases of provider reorganization in the electronic communications market. ANCOM is also proposing a new method for transferring numbering resources in such cases, to minimize disruptions for subscribers of the providers that are involved in a reorganization process. 

This measure follows an increase in provider reorganization activities in the market, which also affect the right to use numbering resources. Such exemples include the 2020 merger by absorbtion of UPC Romania by Vodafone Romania, DIGI Romania’s acquiring control over assets owned by Akta Telecom, Digital Cable Systems and ATTP Telecommunications in the same year, as well as Orage Romania`s acquisition of Telekon Romania Communications and Nextegn Communications in 2021. Subsequently, Telekom Romania Communications S.A. changed its name in Orange Romania Communications S.A., and continued to operate as a separate entity until 2024, when it merged with Orange Romania S.A.

 

Main provisions

In cases of merger or transformation, the right to use the numbering resources will be achieved through ANCOM’s modifying the numbering resource licence held by the absorbed provider. This right may be taken over by an entity that qualifies as a provider of public electronic communications networks or of publicly available electronic communications services.

In cases of partial division, the transfer of numbering rights will continue to be carried out via assignment or transfer, as before. However, ANCOM proposes an additional method of transferring the right to use numbering resources, a procedure that can only be used when the current assignment or transfer procedures are not possible. The transfer procedure may be initiated at the request of both parties, with prior notification to ANCOM at least 45 days before the transfer implementation and based on an implementation plan.

Furthermore, ANCOM proposes supplementing the regulatory provisions on the number portability in order to explicitly provide for the right of the provider taking over contracts for the provision of services through numbers ported in the network of a reorganized provider to continue using these numbering resources, assuming the rights and obligations of the previous provider, as an acceptor provider.  

Public consultation process

The draft decision amending and completing Decision of the President of the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications no. 376/2013 regarding the procedure for requesting and issuing numbering resource licences, as well as completing Decision of the President of the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications no. 144/EN/2006 on the implementation of number portability is available here. Comments and proposals can be submitted until 24.03.2025, at the ANCOM headquarters (2 Delea Noua Street, Bucharest 3), by means of the Online registry, or by means of the Authorit’s regional divisions. Comments may also be sent by fax to +40.372.845.402 or by e-mail to consultare@ancom.ro.