ENUM - final report - PTS-ER-2004:39

18/02/2004

ENUM is a function in the electronic communications network that maps telephone numbers (E.164 numbers) to Internet domain names. These ENUM domain names are then used for an ordinary domain name lookup in order to find other Internet-based addresses. ENUM can, among other things, facilitate convergence between circuit-switched and packet-switched electronic communications networks. ENUM makes it possible for various forms of communications, even if the user’s E.164 number is the only identity that is originally known.

PTS considers that a permanent introduction of ENUM would facilitate technological development within the field of electronic communications, which would result in improved competition between various stakeholders for the benefit of the end-user. PTS therefore considers that the Government should act to ensure that ENUM is introduced permanently in Sweden.

The introduction of ENUM requires that someone is allocated the administrative responsibility for the country code domain .6.4.e164.arpa. PTS considers that the Government should, through the Ministry of Industry, Employment and Communications, have the administrative responsibility for the country code domain .6.4.e164.arpa. PTS considers that the Government would thereby have the best possibility of managing and controlling the organisational framework surrounding ENUM. PTS, which supervises stakeholders in the market for electronic communications in its capacity as supervisory authority under the Electronic Communications Act, should have a purely supervisory role regarding ENUM.

The technical responsibility for the country code domain .6.4.e164.arpa can be delegated to a registry. As there can only be one registry for the country code domain .6.4.e164.arpa in Sweden, a registry could assume a position in the market that could be abused. PTS proposes that the Government, by a procedure resembling procurement (allocation of service concession), appoints a registry. Through conditions in the concession contract it can be ensured that the registry will perform its assignment in a satisfactory manner and not abuse its position.

ENUM is covered by the Electronic Communications Act (2003:389) and by general legislation, including the Personal Data Act (1998:204) and the Competition Act (1993:20). PTS considers that there is currently no need to propose any new legal regulation regarding ENUM. It will, in the opinion of PTS, be possible to rectify any possible problems that may arise regarding, for instance, restrictions on competition, either through the current legal regulation or through conditions in the concession contract. PTS also considers that self-regulation by the sector will be important for achieving, among other things, satisfactory protection of personal integrity.