The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) establishes what telephone numbers exist. It would be safe to say that most people know and understand that the short code of 911 will connect callers with police, fire or medical services in the event of anemergency. But did you know that there are seven other numbers, arguably as important?
N11 numbers, or telephone short-codes, provide callers quick and simple access to other special assistance that may be needed without tying up emergency services resources and phone lines.
Usage of these codes is established by the Federal Communications Commissionbased on use defined by the NANP Administrator, and is as follows:
- 211—Community services and information
- 311—Municipal government services
- 411—Directory assistance*
- 511—Traffic information
- 611—Phone company repair*
- 711—TDD and Relay for the Deaf
- 811—Underground public utility location
- 911—Emergency services (police, fire, EMS)
*Note:While 411 and 611 are reserved, they have not been officially assigned by the FCC.
Current N11 numbers reserved for special purposes
211 — Community services
Where available, 211 services provide free and confidential services that help people across North America. Questions about human trafficking, disaster assistance, food, health, housing utilities, as well as jobs and support for veterans or some of the services offered. Often 211 services are operated by the United Way of America. Visit www.211.org for information about services available in your area.
311 – Municipal government services
Many large cities have deployed 311 services in an attempt to offload non-emergency requests from citizens. Under existing networks, these calls are sent to already over-burdened 911 centers. With 311 centers, residents can inquire about anything from trash collection to reporting graffiti. For example, theBaltimore 311center currently accepts pictures and text messages from Twitterand provides citizens with an interactive, multimedia touch point promoting good will. This level of constituent interaction makes dealing with the local government less of a hassle and an enjoyable experience.
411 – Reserved (often used for directory services)
Even though the phone company published a printed copy of the telephone book, 411 information services are often established to provide directory assistance or local information. With payphones decreasing and cellular services at the point of saturation, usage of this local service has declined. According to the current NANP, the digits 411 are RESERVED and not assigned by the FCC for any particular service.
511 – Traffic information services
511 hasbeen established for road and weather informationas the transportation and traffic information telephonehotline.Where available, mobile and landline travelers can dial 511 for information and updates germane to their location.
611 – Reserved (local telephone company repair)
Similar to 411 services, 611 has been reserved in the NANP but not specifically assigned to a particular use. In some areas, 611 was used as a test code for linemen on the streetor was used to report troubles to the central office from a subscriber.
711 – Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and relay services
Every telephone companyis required to connect persons who dial 711 to a Telephone Relay Service (TRS) from a device on a working number. This rule was extended to include all VoIP telephones in July 2007 by theFederal Communications Commission.
811 – Call before you dig, mark out service
In March of 2005, the FCC established 811 as the universal number that would coordinate location services for underground public utilities. This safety measure not only helps prevents damage that interrupts telecommunications, but also the cutting of subterranean power lines, water mains and natural gas pipes.
911 – Emergencies for police, fire, medical
Single-number access for all emergency services, including police, fire and medical.
Special consideration for PBX/MLTS Systems
Be sure that these numbers have been added to the dial plan of the PBX system in your office. Without them being specifically programmed, they may not be accessible.
As someone deeply involved in telecommunication systems and their infrastructure, my expertise spans across the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), including its various N11 numbers. The NANP, established by regulatory bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), governs the allocation and use of telephone numbers in North America. I've been actively engaged in studying and implementing these numbering systems, ensuring their compliance with regulatory guidelines and understanding their practical applications.
Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article about N11 numbers and their respective purposes:
-
911 - This widely known emergency number connects callers to police, fire, or medical services in urgent situations.
-
211 - Community services providing free and confidential support for various needs like disaster assistance, health, housing, and veteran support.
-
311 - Municipal government services for non-emergency requests like trash collection or reporting graffiti, aimed at offloading non-critical issues from 911 centers.
-
411 - Historically used for directory assistance, but currently marked as reserved by the FCC without any specific assignment.
-
511 - Offers traffic and road-related information for travelers through a dedicated hotline.
-
611 - Reserved in the NANP, historically used for local telephone company repair or as a test code for linemen.
-
711 - Connects individuals using Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) to relay services, ensuring accessibility for those with hearing impairments.
-
811 - A universal number to coordinate the marking out of underground public utilities before excavation, preventing damage and ensuring safety.
These numbers are designated to offer specialized assistance or services, ensuring swift access for various needs without overwhelming emergency services, as well as promoting safety and accessibility.
Regarding PBX/MLTS systems in offices, it's crucial to program these N11 numbers into the dial plan to ensure accessibility. Failing to include them could impede the ability to connect to these vital services.
The NANP and its N11 numbers represent a sophisticated and structured system crucial for effective telecommunications and emergency response across North America.
