Local Number Portability (LNP) relies on the Local Routing Number (LRN), a unique ten-digit telephone number assigned to each switch. The first six digits of a ten-digit telephone number (the NPA-NXX) identify the service area, rate center, service provider, and line type of where the number was originally assigned. Calls to that number route using the NPA-NXX. When a number is ported from one carrier to another, the LRN for the new switch is linked to the ported number and calls route using the NPA-NXX of that LRN.

The Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC) database contains the records of all ported telephone numbers containing information such as current service provider, line type (i.e. wireline, wireless, VoIP), the Local Routing Number (LRN), and other data points used in the rating, routing, billing of calls, and pre-port validation.

Mandated by the CRTC in 1997, the CLNPC manages and oversees the Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC) vendor and service in Canada.

The NPAC data is primarily used to support routing, rating, billing calls, pre-port validation particularly for telephone numbers that are no longer associated with their original service providers (original code holder). In recent years, NPAC data has also been used for specific analytical services such as verification and fraud mitigation services.

In Canada, the CRTC has mandated restricted access to Canadian NPAC data. Historically, access to the Canadian NPAC data has been limited to Canadian carriers who are eligible and become Members of the CLNPC.

The CLNPC does permit access to Non-Members entities who must apply for and qualify to obtain access under specific conditions. Non-Members entities must apply to CLNPC even if they are using query services or look-up services through an authorized redistributor.

Many different businesses across various industries require access to Canadian NPAC data to provide certain services to their customers such as two factor authentication and/or when verifying the line type (i.e. wireless or wireline) is necessary for example. Some of the more common types of businesses include but are not limited to SMS/MMS aggregators, network operators, CRM platforms, SaaS and CPaaS providers.

Should you have any specific questions about your business needs in accessing Canadian NPAC data please contact us at info@clnpc.ca.

Authorized parties may connect to the Canadian NPAC directly, through the use of an LSMS or SOA, or by downloading Bulk Data Download (BDD) files. Alternatively, authorized parties may access the Canadian NPAC data indirectly through an authorized redistributor. For more information, please contact us at info@clnpc.ca.

Entities who are not eligible to become CLNPC Members, may apply for Non-Member access. Entities must demonstrate in their application that access to the NPAC data is explicitly for the purpose of providing services to CLNPC Members and/or their subscribers.

Furthermore, acceptable services are only permitted if they fall under one or more of the acceptable use categories.

The Non-Member applicant will only become authorized to access NPAC data once their application has been reviewed, approved, and an access agreement duly executed with the CLNPC (See more in Application Process).

All applications are reviewed and approved by CLNPC Executive Committee over a ten (10) business day period. Provided there are no unresolved questions or objections to the application a form of access agreement will be extended to the applicant at the close of the review period, as well as an applicable administration fee.

There are limited circumstances under where the NPAC data can be used and for which Non-Member entities are permitted to use the data. The services can only be intended for CLNPC Members and/or their subscribers and must fall under one or more of the following categories:

Billing – the rendering of a bill for telecommunications traffic

Rating – determining the applicable charges for telecommunications traffic

Routing – the transportation of telecommunications traffic

Analytics Service – meaning services comprised of the analysis of calling party details

Pre-Port Validation – to validate the carrier of record prior to initiating a request for a T/N Porting Event

For further information, please contact us at info@clnpc.ca.

The NPAC data cannot be used to support unsolicited telecommunications. This includes, but is not limited to, the CRTC’s Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules, practices that violate the National Do Not Call (DNCL) rules, and Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).

The NPAC data cannot be used to assist telecommunications market intelligence, marketing analytics services or support publicly available telephone look-up services.

Non-Member entities applying for authorized access to the NPAC data who engage in legitimate telemarketing practices must clearly demonstrate to the CLNPC that they seek consent from end recipients as part of their service. This is normally covered under an opt-in or opt-out policy for end recipients.

Unauthorized redistribution of the NPAC data is in any condition where an entity is distributing portability corrected search results to entities who have not executed an access agreement with the CLNPC.

Unauthorized access of the NPAC data is in any condition where an entity has access to portability corrected data and has not executed an access agreement with the CLNPC.

The CLNPC does not currently have an access policy in this regard. Interested LEA’s should contact Bell’s Governmental and Police Services department at nlea@bell.ca.