Level 3 Seeks Limited Waiver for Phone Numbers Given to VoIP/Noncarrier Providers

Level 3 asked the FCC for a temporary waiver for classifying certain phone numbers it has provided to interconnected VoIP providers or other noncarrier entities under a 2015 agency order (see 1506180060). Level 3 said the numbers that haven’t been assigned to an end user by the noncarrier recipients shouldn't be required to be classified as “intermediate” instead of “assigned.” A “limited waiver of the rules is necessary because it is technically infeasible for Level 3 to upgrade the information technology” for a key product, conduct a phone number inventory and modify contractual relationships in time for a utilization report due Monday, the company said in a petition posted Wednesday in docket 13-97. It said it also sought the waiver for applications for "growth numbering resources" it may submit through July 31.