Overview
In Canada, the CRTC has mandated restricted access to Canadian NPAC data to entities obligated to participate in number portability. Historically, access to the Canadian NPAC data was therefore limited to Canadian carriers who are eligible and become members of the CLNPC.
The CLNPC does permit access to non-members who must apply for and qualify to obtain access under specific conditions. When approved, non-members will be required to accept terms of an Access Agreement and the associated administrative fee.
Acceptable Use
There are limited circumstances under which the NPAC data can be accessed, used and redistributed. The services can only be intended for CLNPC members and/or their subscribers and must fall under one or more of the following categories:
Routing: the transportation of telecommunications traffic
Rating: the determination of applicable charges for telecommunications traffic
Billing: the rendering of a bill for telecommunications traffic
Analytic Services: services comprised of the analysis of calling party details, typically for fraud mitigation
Pre-Port Validation: to validate the carrier of record prior to initiating a request for a T/N Porting Event
Examples of acceptable use by authorized non-members may include the following:
- Validation of line-type and/or carrier for the purpose of terminating traffic
- Two-factor authentication
- Billing settlements reconciliation
Restrictions on Use
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 services or support publicly available telephone look-up services.
Non-members applying for authorization to access 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.
Apply for Authorized Access
As part of the application process, applicants must clearly describe:
- who they are
- what services they provide and to who
- the role the NPAC data will play in the delivery of those services
Furthermore, non-member applicants must demonstrate that access to the NPAC data is to:
- provide services to CLNPC members and/or their subscribers and
- the services fall under one or more of the following: routing, rating, billing, analytic services or pre-port validation
Application Process
- CLNPC Management will review your completed application. Further information may be requested as part of the assessment. The review process takes 10-12 business days.
- Provided there are no unresolved issues or objections with the application, the CLNPC will provide a standard form of agreement for review and signature.
- Access will be authorized upon receipt of the signed agreement, and payment of applicable administrative fees.