Numbering

(1) The Federal Network Agency performs the functions of numbering. It is responsible, in particular, for structuring and designing the numbering space with the aim of satisfying the requirements of end users, operators of telecommunications networks, and providers of telecommunications services. The Federal Network Agency further assigns numbers to operators of telecommunications networks, providers of telecommunications services, and end users. Excluded from this is the administration of top-level and subordinate domain names. The Federal Network Agency publishes the assignment decisions under the third sentence in a manner that safeguards the protection of personal data.
(2) In the course of its activity under subsection (1), the Federal Network Agency makes available a range of non-geographic numbers that may also be used abroad for the provision of telecommunications services other than interpersonal telecommunications services.
(3) The Federal Network Agency may make changes to the structure and design of the numbering space and to the national numbering plan, to implement international obligations or recommendations, and to ensure an adequate supply of numbers. In doing so, the interests of the parties concerned, in particular the conversion costs incurred by operators of telecommunications networks, providers of telecommunications services, and users, are to be duly taken into account. Intended changes are to be announced in good time before they take effect. The operators of telecommunications networks and providers of telecommunications services affected by these changes are required to take the measures necessary for implementation.
(4) The Federal Network Agency may issue orders to enforce the obligations under subsection (3). To enforce the orders, coercive fines of up to EUR 500,000 may be imposed in accordance with the Administrative Enforcement Act.
(5) Provided that the called end user has not restricted calls from specific geographic areas for economic reasons, the Federal Network Agency takes the measures necessary to ensure that 1. end users are able to reach and use services using non-geographic numbers within the European Union, and 2. end users are able, regardless of the technology used by the operator and the devices they use, to reach all numbers existing within the European Union, including numbers in the national numbering plans of the Member States of the European Union and universal international freephone numbers.
(6) The Federal Government is empowered to determine, by statutory instrument, the standards and guidelines for 1. structuring, designing, and administering the numbering spaces, and 2. the acquisition, scope, and loss of rights of use in numbers. This also includes the transposition into national law of related international recommendations and obligations, and the determination of rules on the use of numbers under subsection (2). In doing so, particular regard is to be had to: 1. efficient use of numbers, 2. the interests of market participants, including planning certainty, 3. the economic effects on market participants, 4. the requirements for the use of numbers and long-term demand coverage, and 5. the interests of end users. The statutory instrument sets out in detail the powers of the Federal Network Agency and the rights and obligations of market participants and end users. Subsection (1), fourth sentence, applies correspondingly.
(7) Where, in the award procedure for generic top-level domains, a declaration of consent or a certificate of no objection by a German governmental or administrative body is required for the assignment or use of a geographic designation identical to the name of a regional or local authority, the decision on granting the consent or issuing the certificate of no objection lies with the body competent under the law of the relevant Land. Where several regional or local authorities have identical names, the power of decision lies with the regional or local authority that is of the greatest significance according to common understanding.