European Number for Public Services

Publication date: 24 January 2006

The European Commission is working on harmonised numbers for harmonised European services. The Communications Committee in DG Information Society is currently in discussion with the European telecommunication regulating bodies (CEPT – European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations) to reserve a numbering scheme for this purpose. The next meeting between the Commission and the CEPT is scheduled in February 2006. The numbering scheme would be based on the prefix 116 and should consist of 6 digits (116xyz).

The following features are proposed for eligible 116 services:
- The social importance of the service should be demonstrated, i.e. there should be a clear benefit for the citizens
- The service should provide information, assistance or hotlines
- There should be no revenue for the called party from the call made; premium rate services and similar services are excluded
- The service should be relevant in a majority of Member States

A Recommendation is due to be published by the Commission in May 2006. The Commission will then identify 116 numbers to be included in the Annex of a Decision that is due to be published by the end of the year. Services to travellers will be one of the priorities of this initiative which could include breakdown services. Please find here a previous draft of the document that is currently being discussed within the Commission Services.
cocom0533.pdf (46 KB)