ACM to withdraw unused mobile numbers

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) will be contacting telecom operators about their use of 06-numbers (in the Netherlands, mobile phones have 06-numbers). Numbers that are not in use within a year after they were assigned, have to be returned to ACM. In this way, ACM wishes to prevent a shortage of 06-numbers.

VodafoneZiggo has already returned 1.2 million 06-numbers

Telecom operator VodafoneZiggo has already returned 1.2 million unused 06-numbers to ACM. This is over 2% of the total number of available 06-numbers. As a result thereof, the issuance rate of 06-numbers has dropped below 90% for the first time in years. After a ‘cooling-down period’, these numbers will become available again for ACM to reissue. This period prevents a new number user from being called by people who are trying to reach the previous number user.

What does ACM do?

When assigning 06-numbers to a telecom operator, ACM does so under the condition that the assigned numbers must be in use within a year of assignment. If the telecom operator fails to use a number on time, ACM will then be authorized to withdraw that number.

As the telecom regulator in the Netherlands, ACM is responsible for the supply of phone numbers in the Netherlands. Available numbers are issued to telecom operators, which may subsequently assign these numbers to end-users for use.