FCC Mandates N11 Codes, But Not Cost Recovery

Soon, whether you're in a traffic jam in San Francisco or Washington, you can dial 511 on your wireless phone and get real-time traffic information, including the cause of the congestion and alternate routes.

That was the FCC's idea when it unveiled a plan to dole out some prime telecom real estate to government agencies and non-profit organizations.

The move comes in response to petitions from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and a coalition of non-profits. The purpose is to make it easier for mobile Americans to get helpful information no matter where they are.

The FCC assigned the national 3-digit dialing codes, and the commission also wants full implementation of 711, set aside two years ago to assist the speech or hearing disabled with making calls.

The commission assigned the 511 code for use by state and local governments to improve local traffic and transportation conditions. The U.S. DOT said widespread use of an N11 code for travel-related information would reduce congestion and pollution, lower fuel consumption, provide superior traffic management and enhance safety. Today consumers can dial dozens of different numbers to get traffic information, but that's part of the problem. In the Washington/New York City corridor alone, 11 different numbers exist for traffic and transit information.

The 211 code will enable direct access to organizations providing community information and referral services that are not available through 911 or 311. Non-profits may fund 211 as a way to refer services to families needing food or shelter, counseling or crisis hot lines. Connecticut and a 13-county area in Georgia already use a 211 number, and assistance-seeking calls have increased 40%.

Because the codes are a scarce resource, the assignments will be re-examined in 2005. If their use is not widespread, the codes may be used for other purposes.

Until then, there are several yet-to-be-determined issues. According to Travis Larson, CTIA spokesperson, the N11 mandate may bring third-party issues, false expectations and high costs for wireless providers.

"Our biggest worry is the perception of the public when something like this is announced," he said. "They expect to be able to simply dial a 3-digit number and find that service there."

It may be a year or more before the N11 codes are available to the public because it must first be funded, tested and approved. And the FCC has not set a specific deadline.

The FCC hasn't promised cost recovery for providers, either. Mike Balmoris, FCC spokesperson said cost recovery is "minimal." In other words, don't count on it.

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'N' Marks the Service

There are only eight possible "N11" codes. The code assignments are:
211: Community information and referral services
311: Non-emergency police and other government services
411: Unassigned, but used nationwide for directory assistance
511: Traffic and transportation information
611: Unassigned, but used broadly for repair service
711: Telecom-relay services
811: Unassigned, but used by LECs for business-office use
911: Unassigned, but used nationwide for emergency services
Note: "011" and "111" are unavailable because 0 and 1 are used for switching and routing purposes.

Source: FCC