Applying for numbers
Using numbers
How can I return my number?
May I transfer a number to another legal entity?
How can I obtain a copy of my ruling?
May I authorise someone to represent me?
Different information numbers
Corporate numbers
Applying for numbers
The law stipulates that OPTA must deal with applications for numbers within three weeks, if the relevant application has been completed in full. If this is not the case, OPTA will suspend this period, until that application is completed.
A priority procedure is also available. It costs EUR 550.00 over and above the regulatory fee. OPTA will go ahead and assign a number within 48 hours after you have paid this amount. Please use the giro account numbered 739116 and held in the name of Onafhankelijke Post- en Telecommunicatie Autoriteit for this purpose, citing ‘priority application’ as the reference.
Using numbers
Submitting an application to OPTA is the first step towards using a number. Once OPTA assigns a number to you, you will need to make your own arrangements to have a service provider connect that number. It will not occur of its own accord!
How can I return my number?
The first step is to have your service provider disconnect your information or corporate number. As soon as the number is no longer available, you may submit an application for its withdrawal.
May I transfer a number to another legal entity?
As a number holder you may use the Change Numbers application form to apply to OPTA for the assignment of a contract. OPTA may refuse to assist, if you intend to sell the numbers concerned. In addition, number users may not provide a number to anyone else.
How can I obtain a copy of my ruling?
You may submit a brief letter to OPTA requesting a copy of your ruling. When doing so, you are required to do the following two things:
- you must clearly state the number of the ruling of which you would like to receive a copy;
- you will need to make over EUR 25.00 to the giro account numbered 739116 and held in the name of Onafhankelijke Post- en Telecommunicatie Autoriteit for this purpose, citing ‘copy of ruling no(s) ...’ as the reference.
You will receive the relevant copy or copies as soon as OPTA receives your letter and payment.
May I authorise someone to represent me?
Using the application forms on this website you may apply to OPTA for telephone numbers yourself. You may also choose to authorise a person (or legal entity) to apply for a number on your behalf. The person concerned can sign the number application and send it together with the document containing your authorisation. OPTA will then send him its number assignment decision along with any other relevant documents. He will need to ensure that he receives them. However, the number itself will be listed directly in your name. You will then be deemed to be the number holder and will be responsible for the use of the number concerned.
You may revoke authorisation at any time. As soon as OPTA is notified of this, the person you had authorised will no longer have the power to represent you. OPTA will communicate with you directly as of that time.
OPTA may also terminate any authorisation or refuse to accept it, for example, if it receives reports from a stakeholder to the effect that the authorised party is acting unprofessionally or if OPTA itself has to contend with behaviour on the part of the authorised person, which reveals that he is performing his representational duties unprofessionally.
Different information numbers
You may apply for information numbers if you are not an electronic communications service provider. Information numbers are always either long or short. A long information number consists of 11 digits, while a short one comprises eight. The following four types are available in each case:
- 0800 – an information service accessed through an 0800 number is always free of charge to the caller, even if it is switched through. However, you may charge a fee for traffic. Some mobile phone service providers do this;
- 0900 – a number holder may himself charge a fee for a service accessed through an 0900 number. These types of numbers are designed to be used for serious or business information and services. As such, they may not be used for sexual entertainment or amusement;
- 0909 – a number holder may himself charge a fee for a service accessed through an 0909 number. These types of numbers are designed to be used for amusement, games and competitions. They may not be used for sexual entertainment;
- 0906 – a number holder may himself charge a fee for a service accessed through an 0906 number. These types of numbers are designed to be used for services of a sexual nature. You may also use them for other types of services.
There are a number of 0800 and 0900 numbers which you can use to receive massive amounts of calls. They are used for campaigns which generate extensive call traffic within a very short period of time. Think of disasters and television programmes, such as Idols. As such, OPTA only issues these numbers by way of an exception, which you will need to specify on the application number that you wish to apply for (0800 or 0900, long or short). The difference between media and mass calling numbers lies in their capacity. The requirements for media numbers stipulate no less than 11 calls per second. A minimum of 90 calls per second applies in the case of mass calling numbers.
Specific laws and regulations apply in relation to paid information numbers.
Corporate numbers
Businesses in the Netherlands may apply to OPTA for these numbers.