'Smartnumbers' Freephone Auction
21 June 2004 at 1:06 pm
ACA Sets The Rules
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) has set the rules for the July auction process for charities wanting to be part of the new telephone number allocation system for ‘smartnumbers’ — freephone (1800) or local rate (13 and 1300) numbers.
If a charity is an ‘eligible charity’ and requires a specific ‘smartnumber’, it can apply for that number and nominate it using the charities auction process.
Under the guidelines just released this process is only available if the number is strategic or specific to the charity and has not already been nominated for auction by a commercial organisation, in which case the number would be auctioned under the public auction process at a later date.
In particular the Charity User Guide sets the much-awaited reserve price on ‘smartnumbers’ as well as setting out the necessary pre-registration, auction and post auction regulations.
If a charity nominates a ‘smartnumber’ for auction and no other charity responds within the 10-day notification period, the number will be obtained by that charity at the reserve price of $100.
A second nomination for a particular number by a charity will trigger an auction process after 15 days.
The charities auction process involves a single sealed bid system that is open to any registered charity. At the close of the auction, the charity with the highest bid wins the number.
Once payment of the reserve price or highest bid amount has been made, the successful bidder will also acquire enhanced rights for the use for the number. This is explained in the Guidelines document.
All the forms required for the auction are easily accessible via web links within the Guidelines. Also if you need to discuss this with an ACA representative, contact details are provided.
If you would like an electronic version of the guidelines please send an email with ACA Charity User Guide in the subject line to probono@probonoaustralia.com.au.
