In a world where smartphones reign supreme, the trusty landline phone, at least the copper landline we used to know, is gradually fading into obscurity. Companies like AT&T and Verizon want to be fully operational on newer fiber optic infrastructure within the next few years. Why? To replace aging copper wire-based systems with faster and more advanced technology such as fiber optics and ethernet that doesn’t integrate with old copper lines. 

From bustling cities to remote towns, the era of the Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)  is changing as these copper lines are being phased out in many parts of the United States and Canada. This transition stems from a combination of factors, including:

• The obsolescence of analog infrastructure
• The rise of digital communication technologies
• A growing demand for flexible and mobile connectivity solutions. 

Will Landline Phones Go Away in the U.S.?

Does the phasing out of copper infrastructure truly signal the end of the landline as we know it? It’s more likely that the term “ landline phone” as we know it is shifting, while rural communities with residents and small business owners that rely on copper lines for consistent communication will hold onto these relics longer than the rest of the country. 

Despite the recent resurgence in affinity for landlines by Gen Z, recent statistics point to the slow shift that has been taking place with our telephone preferences over the past decade. According to Statista, in 2004, more than 90% of adults in the U.S. lived in a home that featured the famous twirly-corded wall phone (or some variation of it). That number, however, sank to less than 30% by 2022. 

The decline of the landline will continue its downward trend. According to Gartner, about 100 million business and residential landlines remain in the U.S., but analysts with the firm suggest only 5% of landlines will remain by 2030. Recent developments driving the numbers include the 2022 FCC order that set the retirement of landline copper lines in motion, as well as recent requests from major carriers. This transition, though, requires significant investment in fiber infrastructure and expertise, as well as the careful management of legacy systems to keep all lines active during the transition. 

Recent Cell Outages Raise Concerns Over the End of Landlines

The bottom line is providers are prioritizing modernizing infrastructure to keep up with the times and deliver more efficient and versatile communication services. Additionally, copper landlines can be costly and cumbersome to maintain. However, for some customers, the prospect of losing landline service comes at an even higher cost. 

You’ve likely seen recent news surrounding AT&T and their request to no longer support landline service. AT&T is requesting to withdraw from providing landline support for most of its California and Illinois service areas, with other carrier coverage areas around the country likely to follow suit. 

Further complicating matters was an AT&T cell outage last month that left thousands in the dark around the country and led them to wonder: Is reliance solely on a cellular phone the best idea? 

There are real concerns, however, about what this phone shift means for rural areas in North America. Small businesses and hospitals still rely on fax machines in areas with little to no cell coverage. Rural residents and those over 65 will also likely be most affected by the move away from copper landlines. Even worse? When the internet goes down, the landline replacements that rely on internet-fueled VoIP affect those trying to call 911 during emergencies.

The Rise of Mobile Digits Isn’t Going Away

While the demise of traditional landline phones may signal the end of an era (especially for those nostalgic about the days when society wasn’t attached at all times to their cells), it also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the world of communication. As companies in the United States and Canada embrace the mobile revolution, they're paving the way for a future where connectivity knows no bounds. From cloud-based phone systems to unified communications platforms, businesses are investing in innovative solutions that enable seamless collaboration and connectivity across all devices. 

Despite recent cellular outages, mobility is still key. By transitioning from analog to digital signals, providers can leverage advanced technologies to enhance call quality, expand service capabilities and support a broader range of features and applications.

With smartphones, employees are no longer confined to their desks but can stay connected on the go. Whether it's making calls, sending emails or attending virtual meetings, the convenience of having a pocket-sized communication device has transformed the way we work and communicate.

According to a report by TransNexus, the global adoption of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), which enables VoIP,  is on the rise and will continue to do so due to proven return on investment.  As the industry continues to move towards SIP, service providers must focus on ensuring seamless integration between old and new systems, minimizing disruption and maximizing the potential of IP-based communications.

10x People: Meeting Carrier Needs for Evolving Numbering Needs

Overall, the push towards offering alternatives to traditional landlines reflects a broader industry trend toward digital transformation and innovation. By embracing digital communication technologies and diversifying their service offerings, U.S. providers can meet the evolving needs of customers in an increasingly connected world, while also positioning themselves for future growth and competitiveness in the marketplace.

With a suite of numbering solutions designed to address the challenges of phone number management, 10x People, a pioneer and leader in local number portability, provides cutting-edge software solutions for number management to meet those evolving needs. nVentory, for instance, offers an LNP gateway and integration with nPort SOA to simplify inventory updates. nPort is a cloud-based LNP solution that allows you to port phone numbers quickly, easily and efficiently. 

Connect with 10x People today to learn more about our modern workflow-based number portability platform and our integrated solutions will work for you in today’s numbering world. 

Ever wondered about the magic that happens behind the scenes when you switch your phone carrier but get to keep your precious digits? To find the answer, you’ll need to dive into the world’s largest number portability registry: the Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC). Overseen by the Federal Communications Commission, NPAC is where phone numbers find new homes without you even knowing about the complex behind-the-scenes process. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated Local Number Portability (LNP) as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the service providers fund and manage the contract.

In this blog, we’ll explain what NPAC does, why it was founded, and the important role it plays in telephone number switching so you can better understand the numbering magic that takes place behind the scenes.

What is NPAC?

The NPAC (Number Portability Administration Center) acts as a centralized database and system, facilitating the smooth transfer of service associated with phone numbers in the United States across diverse telecommunications service providers nationwide. Serving as the foundation for number portability, this system enables individuals and businesses to retain their current phone numbers seamlessly when transitioning from one carrier to another.

Established in 1996 as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 — which provided consumers the right to keep their phone number even when switching service providers — NPAC includes approximately 1 billion telephone numbers managed by approximately 1,600 service providers. The NPAC makes LNP work for all U.S. telephone numbers, including wireless, VOIP and wireline numbers. The importance of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the NPAC’s responsibility in facilitating service provider switching is that it allows individuals and businesses to shop around for the best cost savings and advantages amongst landline, VOIP, or mobile operators, creating competition in the market and unhandcuffing users to a certain service provider just for the sake of keeping their phone numbers. Today, with our numbers tied to everything from our bank accounts to social media, the ability to port phone numbers is increasingly important.

When it comes to the process of service provider switching, the NPAC can be thought of as the master of all switchboards, ensuring that when you decide to jump ship to a new carrier, your number doesn't get lost in the digital Bermuda Triangle. 

Learn how it all comes together below. 

Number Portability 101: How the NPAC Works Magic

Let's break these digits down for you. When you decide it's time to part ways with your old carrier, the NPAC steps in like a digital moving company for your phone number. First, a provider tells NPAC they have a customer that wants to port with them. Then, the old provider is notified and has a chance to say, “Woah, not so fast!” The NPAC confirms your identity and that both carriers are OK with completing your port. Behind the scenes, here’s what’s really happening: 

Porting

This is the fancy term for switching carriers while keeping your number. Think of it as your phone number moving to a new network. 

Mobile Versus Landline Portability

Move across town, keep your number. It’s that easy. Local Number Portability provides you flexibility for switching the service on the numbers you want to keep no matter which service provider you want to use, provided the new service provider is ready and open for business. You can take your mobile number anywhere, while your landline must stay in the same area of town. 

Porting timeframe

Usually, it takes about one to three business days for a landline number to settle into its new home. Even better? Wireless numbers can be ported in a few minutes unless there are some discrepancies or communication issues between the two carriers during the porting process. Think of it as jet lag for your phone number (but way less dramatic). The rule of thumb for wireless number porting is less than one hour once a request is made. 

The carriers check the paperwork, NPAC double-checks that the carrier it is porting from and to is correct, makes sure you're free from any entanglements, and then, voila! Your number gets a golden ticket to its new carrier. It's like a backstage pass to the coolest telecom party in town and the NPAC is the bouncer ensuring only the legit numbers make it through.

Behind the scenes, NPAC also: 

• Provides notification to your current carrier to help prevent number hijacking, ensuring your digits don't fall into the wrong hands.
• Informs everyone when you have moved, making sure you don’t miss any calls.
• Maintains a central database like a phonebook (remember those?) There is a separate NPAC for the United States and Canada. 

10x People: Working Hand in Hand with NPAC

10x People, a pioneer and leader in LNP, provides cutting-edge software solutions for number porting. 10x People Founder and CEO Lisa Marie Maxson wrote the original LNP messaging interface specification that is still in use today in both the U.S. and Canada. Our xPort Local Service Management System is a cloud-based solution that receives real-time LNP port-corrected data broadcasts from all NPAC regions. Our nVentory solution offers an LNP gateway and integration with nPort SOA to simplify inventory updates. nPort SOA is a cloud-based LNP solution that allows you to port phone numbers quickly, easily and efficiently. 

We have been developing and refining LNP processes for more than 10 years, ensuring a seamless transition for users and contributing to the longevity of phone numbers.

Connect with 10x People today to learn more about our modern workflow-based number portability platform and discover why a phone number inventory numbering system is important. 

In an age where virtually every person carries a mobile device, the question arises: How have we not run out of phone numbers? As the demand for unique phone numbers continues to soar, the telecom industry faces an intricate challenge in managing and allocating these precious digits. 

In this blog, we’ll chase down the facts about whether or not the United States could actually run out of numbers and explore the complexities of number tracking that take place behind the scenes. Finally, we’ll explore how custom software solutions are key to maintaining the delicate balance of phone number resources across the globe. 

Is It True That We Could Run Out of Phone Numbers?

Ever wondered if we could run out of phone numbers? With the sheer amount of combinations of digits available, it seems like an impossibility, right? Here's the scoop: U.S. phone numbers are governed by the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), a system dialed up in the 1940s to simplify dialing calls. Fast forward to today, and we've got 10 digits in a phone number. But is it really as straightforward as it sounds?

Let's break it down. Each of those 10 digits can be a number from 0 to 9, and order matters. That gives us a whopping 10 billion possible number combinations. Hold the phone, for a minute.

First off, a number can't start with 0. Boom, there goes a cool billion possibilities. Then, there are special 3-digit numbers that are already spoken for, like 311 and 411. That's 1% of the combinations out the window.

Additionally, the number prefix can't start with 0 or end with 11 if we want to allow 7-digit dialing. The restriction on ending with “11” is part of the NANP guidelines to avoid confusion with special service codes and emergency numbers such as 311 and 911. Regular phone numbers that end in “11,” according to the NANP, might lead to accidental calls to emergency services, causing emergency response disruptions. Crunching the numbers (pun intended), that's a whopping 11% of all numbers in the "no-go" zone.

So, after subtracting the digits that are off-limits due to these quirky rules, we're left with a slightly less mind-boggling 7.92 billion usable numbers. Still a hefty number, right? Well, consider this: the U.S. is projected to have around 450 million people by 2050. That leaves us with approximately 18 lines per person for a country with almost 350 geographic area codes. 

Before you start worrying about memorizing all those numbers, let’s put your mind at ease. While we might not run out of phone numbers on a nationwide scale, the growth in certain high-density areas could throw a wrench in the works. For instance, California uses 36 area codes, the most of any state in the union. In short, we might just have to give the ol' numbering system a makeover in the next 30 years. Current projections without further measures show that  that we will run out of numbers in 2045. 

The Number Tracking Conundrum

Having the numbers on hand and the number combinations along with those numbers is just part of this equation. We realize carriers navigate a vast and dynamic tightrope of tracking every call, text or data transfer that begins with a unique phone number. With the proliferation of devices and the advent of IoT, the demand for new numbers and porting requests is relentless. 

However, the pool of available numbers raises some fundamental questions: How do we keep the communication lines open without running out of digits? Also, who owns the numbers and how do carriers keep all these numbers straight? 

The answers are part of a delicate balance of the following two pieces below: 

Understanding Local Number Portability

Local Number Portability (LNP) is the secret sauce that allows users to make the switch to a different carrier while holding onto their cherished phone numbers. It's like having your cake and eating it too, in the numbering world.

So, how does this magical process work? When you decide to switch carriers, the gears start turning behind the scenes. Your new carrier initiates a process where they request your number from your old carrier. It's a digital handshake, if you will, where the two carriers exchange information to make the handover as smooth as possible. 

The Role of Software Solutions

Software solutions are reshaping the landscape with precision and efficiency. Tailor-made applications play a pivotal role in addressing the unique challenges faced by the numbering sector. As the demand for personalized, scalable numbering systems grows, software steps in to streamline operations, providing organizations with the flexibility to adapt and innovate in real-time. From managing vast databases to automating complex processes, these solutions not only enhance the overall functionality of the numbering industry but also empower businesses to stay ahead of the curve in an era of rapid technological advancement.

Well crafted software solutions are crafted to align seamlessly with the unique needs of each organization. Whether it's optimizing numbering allocation or ensuring data security, the right applications should optimize number allocations, ensure data security, and be designed for adaptability and responsiveness. 

The Future of Numbering

As the number landscape continues to evolve, so does the need for innovative solutions to address numbering challenges efficiently. With the surge in connected devices, the demand for unique, identifiable numbers is at an all-time high. The challenge lies in finding innovative solutions to manage and allocate numbers efficiently. The traditional frameworks that served us well are now faced with the daunting task of accommodating the explosive growth in digital connections. The future of numbering demands a forward-thinking approach to ensure that everyone and everything has its distinct digital identity.

As we venture into the era of 5G and beyond, the sheer volume of connected devices and applications will necessitate a sophisticated numbering ecosystem. The future holds promises of seamless connectivity, where numbering systems not only adapt to the expanding digital universe but also pave the way for a more interconnected and efficient world. As we embark on this journey into the unknown, the future of numbering stands as a testament to human ingenuity, ensuring that our digital addresses evolve alongside our ever-changing technological landscape.

The 10x People nVentory Numbering System and OWL Solves Your Problems

Enter 10x People, a pioneer and leader in local number portability, providing cutting-edge software solutions and expertise in numbering and inventory management. 

We have played a pivotal role in developing and refining LNP processes, ensuring a seamless transition for users and contributing to the longevity of phone numbers. We even wrote the original LNP messaging interface specification. 

Our nVentory solution solves the challenges of efficient number management and assignment.  IT offers an LNP gateway and integration with xPort Local Service Management System and nPort SOA to simplify inventory updates. nVentory, when powered together with OWL, our Ordering Wizard and Logistics for Numbering Resource Acquisition and Management solution, simplifies and automates telephone number ordering. OWL shows carriers where they need to order more numbers and gives them a heads up when numbers available for assignment are running out. 

The power of OWL and nVentory together simplifies the ordering of phone numbers for carriers so they have the numbers that meet their needs, while also offering: 

• Order and rate center dashboards
• Notifications and alarms
• Industry reporting
• Order management of full lifecycle of TNs
• Workflow automation
• NAS/PAS and BIRRDS integration
• Analytics
• GUI, API and Batch File Processing

Contact 10x People today to learn how you will never run out of phone numbers with nVentory! 

Phone numbers are like pieces of a complex jigsaw puzzle. The challenge? Ensuring that these numbers are tracked, monitored, and organized efficiently to meet your business needs and regulatory compliance. Mismanaged phone numbers and missed regulatory requirements can lead to frustrated customers, regulatory issues and chaos in your communications not to mention loss of revenue or worse. Without a reliable inventory numbering system in place, it can be as confusing as solving a Rubik's Cube in the dark.

Let's dive into the intricate world of phone number management and see how phone number inventory numbering system solutions eliminate your phone number assignment, tracking and reporting headaches. 

The Phone Number Puzzle

Phone numbers are a critical piece of the communications puzzle. Those numbers are often managed in a spreadsheet or in outdated inventory systems that end up causing more confusion than clarification. Add in the phone numbers you must keep track of that are ported in or disconnected, and the reporting can get out of hand quickly. It's like having a shelf full of books and you need to find the right one quickly, without the chaos of a disorganized library. This is where the proper phone number inventory numbering system steps in as your librarian, offering a systematic approach to manage, monitor and report on your telephone number inventory.

Tracking and Streamlining the Numbering Trail

Think of a phone number inventory numbering system as your GPS for managing your telephone numbers. It provides a clear roadmap for tracking the usage and status of each number. Additionally, your company can assign numbers available in real-time to best align with different buckets of businesses, such as product/service types, market, OCN or rate center.

A successful number inventory management system provides interfacing with internal billing systems or back office systems solving headaches of compliance, reporting, security and auditing that can be manual, laborious processes when managed incorrectly. 

10x People’s nVentory solution allows you to track, monitor and report on your telephone number inventory. Even better? nVentory simultaneously takes care of your business needs and industry reporting requirements. It’s peace of mind reporting combined with maximizing your resources while preventing revenue loss. 

Accurate Reporting with a Custom Dashboard

When it comes to phone numbers, reporting is your trusty compass. An inventory numbering system generates detailed reports, giving you insights into your phone number inventory. You can number utilization and states to make data driven decisions.  

10x People nVentory Resource Dashboards works to provide you accurate and timely resource utilization while providing you with the latest forecasting. nVentory’s additional peace of mind streamlined features include: 

• Inventory management for maintaining and grouping your numbers. 
• The ability to view and manage your inventory. 
• Assigning in real-time available inventory. 
• An LNP gateway and integration with xPort Local Service Management System and nPort SOA to simplify inventory updates.
• Number Administration functionality for number utilization across businesses. 
• Simplified industry reporting.
• Auditing that prevents unbilled usage and over-billing for numbers.
• A future-ready system designed to support the full lifecycle of number management while providing API access.

Seamless Automation with an Ordering Wizard: OWL

When 10x People’s nVentory solution is used in conjunction with OWL, our Ordering Wizard and Logistics for Numbering Resource Acquisition and Management solution, you can seamlessly automate your TN ordering. OWL takes your phone number inventory numbering system to the next level by showing you where you need to order more numbers and providing automation to efficiently complete that process.  

In short, the power of OWL and nVentory together simplifies the ordering of phone numbers so you have the numbers your business needs at all times. 

A Frustration-Free Customer Experience

Managing phone numbers without a reliable system can be a maze of confusion. But with a phone number inventory numbering system like nVentory, you can navigate the phone number puzzle effortlessly. It simplifies tracking, allocation and reporting.

The synergistic qualities of nVentory and OWL together work to provide you with: 

• Order management of full lifecycle of TNs
• Workflow automation
• Industry reporting
• NAS/PAS and BIRRDS integration
• Analytics
• Order and rate center dashboards
• Notifications and alarms
• GUI, API and Batch File Processing

Try the 10x People nVentory Numbering System Today

Need to order large blocks of numbers for large enterprise customers? No problem. The 10x People nVentory system makes it easy. Say goodbye to the confusion and hello to a simplified, streamlined and more efficient way of managing your telephone number inventory with 10x People, the trusted experts in providing numbering software and solutions for our industry since 1996. Our nVentory solution also meets your carrier needs with customized solutions such as custom fields while meeting critical requirements to meet inventory needs no matter the tight turnaround needs. 

Contact 10x People today to learn more about how our numbering solutions support your business growth and simplify your operations. We provide integrated solutions that allow you to concentrate on other aspects of your business without getting a numbering headache!

Ten years in the world of business is quite the milestone, and one we couldn’t wait to celebrate this month with the customers, colleagues, friends and family who have shaped our journey. 10x People CRO John Nakamura likened our 10-year anniversary to the evolution of automobiles. Just as cars have evolved from pre-engine buggies to sleek, tech-filled 21st century vehicles, so too has 10x People changed and innovated as numbering technology has evolved — and with a mix of old and new employees in the passenger seat that have made the ride much more worthwhile.

How fitting, then, that we celebrated our own transformation this month with a 10-year anniversary party at The Vehicle Vault where we were surrounded by cars — 50 cars to be exact, with a combined worth of approximately $10 million to $20 million — that evolved through the decades. While the cars in the background made for incredible picture opportunities for those in attendance, Penelope the Porting Panda stole the show! She made a surprise appearance at the party and everyone couldn’t wait to get a picture with the world’s most famous porting panda. 

During the event, 10x People Founder and CEO Lisa Marie Maxson took a moment to thank everyone for coming and being a part of 10x People’s incredible journey, noting that the company wouldn’t be here today without everyone’s help and support along the way. Maxson and others were incredibly touched by the number of customers, partners, and past and present employees who attended to celebrate the 10x People milestone. 

A Night to Remember

10x People’s anniversary is a testament to the incredible ride we've had. Beyond the venue and the festivities, our 10-year celebration was about one thing: people. It was a night to meet and reconnect with the customers we've supported, the partners we've collaborated with, the colleagues we've worked alongside and the significant others who have shared this experience with us. These are the people who have helped shape our company and contributed to our success over the past decade.

As we celebrated this 10-year milestone, we reminisced about our past but we're looking forward to the future ahead as well. We're excited to see how our story continues to evolve, just like those classic cars transformed into modern marvels. Here's to the next ten years and beyond!

The 10x People journey has spanned a full decade, marked by significant milestones and remarkable growth. Our achievements remain a testament to a decade of hard work and dedication to our clients and our evolving industry. Our 10-year timeline not only commemorates our humble beginnings but also showcases the significant milestones that have solidified 10x People as the powerhouse in Local Number Portability (LNP) software and services that it is today.

Join us below as we turn back the hands on the clock to 2013 and revisit some of the unforgettable moments from the past 10 years for 10x People and the industry that has helped shape us to lead the way for our customers as they expand globally.