Senator Collins brings Mr. Kennard's attention to issues raised by the Small Business Administration in its ex parte to the FCC, which also asked for delay in 877 roll-out. Representative Baldacci also expressed concerns about this issue. Large carriers are RespOrgs, SNAC members, and subscribers. Certainly, large carriers have an inordinate amount of control over the policy for 8XX subscribers and access to those numbers. There exists no clear definition for 'vanity' numbers.
Vanity numbers are extraordinarily valuable marketing tools for large and small businesses alike.
Before further complicating the issue with the 877 SAC, this issue must be resolved. I urge the FCC to consider a delay of 30 to 60 days to look into these matters. Representative Tom Allen also expressed concerns that the commercial value of existing 800 numbers would be jeopardized, and that small businesses would have limited access to new toll free numbers. Doesn't seem like too much to ask, does it.