Quicker, all-ages phone services coming soon

The Australian communications regulator has announced plans for new telephone numbers, to allow some experimentation with communications services.

The Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA) revealed it is planning to introduce two new number ranges that communications companies can use to test new services -- one for outbound services, one for inbound.

The ACMA is suggesting that 10-digit numbers in the 1290 0 range will be used for inbound services -- where services can only be received, not made, by a single number -- and 10-digit numbers in the 0570 0 range for outbound services -- where both incoming and outgoing calls can be made from the same number.

According to the ACMA, the new number ranges will mean carriers can trial new service types faster than before.

Current legislation only allows for a service trial if it falls within descriptions given in the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. If the service is outside that spectrum, the legislation must be amended -- often a time-consuming process.

However, under the ACMA's proposed changes, carriers will only need to apply to the regulator for a number for their experiments rather than wait for changes to be made in existing telecoms legislation.

By introducing the new ranges, the ACMA hopes that carriers will bring services to market quicker.

The watchdog has already mandated that two proposed ranges cannot be used to supply any age-restricted services.