RGN: Brazil's General Numbering Regulation and Number Resource Management

Why numbering matters for your operation

If you are an ISP planning to offer voice services, a regional STFC operator, or a contact center that needs its own numbering ranges, the General Numbering Regulation (RGN) defines the rules governing access to this resource. Approved by Resolution 709/2019, the RGN consolidated into a single instrument all the rules for allocation, administration, and use of numbering resources for telecommunications services in Brazil.

In practice, without numbering you do not operate. Every call that traverses your network depends on a well-structured numbering plan. Every number assigned to a subscriber, every short service code, and every carrier prefix exists within the RGN's rules. This article explains how to obtain numbering blocks, what types of codes are available, and what obligations you take on when receiving these resources.

Types of numbering resources available

The RGN classifies numbering resources into distinct categories, each with specific allocation and usage rules.

Geographic access codes are traditional landline phone numbers, tied to a geographic area identified by the area code (DDD). If you operate STFC, these are the numbers you assign to your residential and business subscribers. Each numbering range is associated with a specific service area.

Non-geographic access codes include mobile numbers, 0800 (toll-free for the caller), 0300 (shared tariff), and 0500 (donations). These numbers are not tied to a specific location and serve various operational needs. If you operate a contact center, 0800 and 0300 numbers are likely part of your daily operation.

Carrier selection codes (CSP) are the two-digit codes used to select the long-distance operator. Public utility service codes are short numbers such as 190 (Police), 192 (Emergency Medical Service), and 193 (Fire Department). Special service codes include numbers for radio-taxi, information services, and other services.

How to obtain numbering blocks through the nSAPN

The nSAPN (new Numbering Plan Administration System) is the platform operated by ABR Telecom through which you request, receive, and return numbering resources. Understanding the request process is essential for planning your network expansion.

The process works in defined steps. First, you identify the need for resources based on your network planning and demand projection. If your subscriber base is growing or you are expanding to a new geographic area, that triggers the need for additional numbering.

Next, you submit the request through the nSAPN, providing the quantity of resources needed, the geographic area (when applicable), and the technical justification. Anatel evaluates the request considering resource availability, your usage history, and efficiency in utilizing previously allocated resources.

That last point is critical. Operators that demonstrate efficient use of their numbering resources have an easier time obtaining new blocks. If you maintain large numbering ranges without effective utilization, Anatel may deny new requests or require returning part of the unused resources.

The role of EASI and ABR Telecom

The EASI (Systems and Infrastructure Administration Entity) is the entity responsible for administering the systems and infrastructure for numbering management, under Anatel's supervision. In Brazil, ABR Telecom serves this function.

In practice, ABR Telecom maintains the numbering databases that the entire sector queries to route calls correctly. When your operator receives a numbering block, that information is registered in ABR Telecom's databases and becomes available for consultation by other operators. Without this updated database, calls to your numbers simply would not reach the correct destination.

ABR Telecom also manages the number portability system in an integrated manner with the nSAPN. When your subscriber migrates to another operator (or a subscriber from another operator migrates to you), the system coordinates the number transfer ensuring service continuity.

Usage efficiency: obligations you need to meet

One of the fundamental principles of the RGN is efficiency in numbering resource usage. Numbering resources are finite, and Anatel actively monitors how each operator uses its allocated blocks.

The RGN establishes efficiency indicators you must meet to demonstrate adequate usage. In practice, this means you need to maintain strict control over how many numbers in your block are effectively assigned to active subscribers, how many are in quarantine (awaiting reuse after cancellation), and how many are idle.

If your utilization rate is too low, Anatel may order the return of part of your resources for reallocation to other operators with proven demand. Conversely, if you demonstrate efficient use and consistent growth, you will find it easier to obtain additional blocks when needed.

For ISPs offering voice via SCM (Multimedia Communication Service), the numbering question is especially relevant. SCM providers that wish to offer voice services need to request their own numbering resources from Anatel through the nSAPN, or establish agreements with STFC operators that already have numbering. Each model has different regulatory and operational implications that need to be evaluated.

Number portability and routing impact

Number portability, which allows subscribers to keep their number when switching operators, has a direct impact on your network infrastructure. With portability, the number prefix no longer reliably identifies the destination operator.

In practice, this means your softswitch needs to query ABR Telecom's portability database before routing each call. If your routing system still relies solely on the number prefix to determine the destination, you may be sending calls to the wrong operator and paying interconnection charges incorrectly.

Integration with the portability database is an operational requirement, not just a regulatory one. The costs of routing calls incorrectly accumulate over time and directly affect your operating margin.

Planning your numbering expansion

If you are planning to expand your operation to new geographic areas or increase your numbering capacity, consider the following practical points.

Survey demand in advance. The nSAPN allocation process is not instantaneous and can take weeks, depending on resource availability in the requested region.

Keep usage documentation current. Anatel may request proof of efficient use of already-allocated resources before approving new requests. Have reports ready that demonstrate the utilization rate of your current blocks.

Consider integrating numbering inventory management systems with your softswitch. Automating control of assigned, quarantined, and available numbers facilitates both operational management and compliance with regulatory obligations.

References

• Resolution 709/2019 - General Numbering Regulation (RGN)