The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) has announced December 17 as the date for bidding in the experimental auction of certain toll free numbers in the 833 code. This will mark the first time that toll free numbers are assigned through an auction; usually toll free numbers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The auction will be conducted by the Toll Free Numbering Administrator, Somos. Inc., and will include approximately 17,000 numbers.
Along with setting the date for the auction, the Commission outlined other important deadlines and procedures for those participating in the auction, specifically: (1) application requirements, such as disclosures and certifications; (2) bidding procedures, including upfront payments and bidding format; and (3) post-auction procedures, such as payment deadlines and toll free number reservation requirements.