OCN stands for Operating Company Number, a unique code used within the telecommunications industry to identify various types of service providers.
Understanding the Operating Company Number (OCN)
The OCN, or Operating Company Number, is a specialized code utilized primarily within the telephony sector. It serves as a crucial identifier for telecommunications carriers and service providers. This code is integrated into various iconectiv telephony products, playing a vital role in their operational systems.
Purpose and Assignment
A significant portion of OCNs function as "Company Codes" that are officially assigned by the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA). NECA is a leading organization that administers these codes to a broad spectrum of telecommunications entities, ensuring a standardized system for identification across the industry.
Who Uses OCNs?
OCNs are designed to identify a diverse range of telecommunications carriers. This includes:
- Landline Carriers: Traditional telephone service providers.
- Wireless Carriers: Companies offering mobile phone services.
- Resellers: Entities that purchase telecommunications services wholesale from larger carriers and then resell them to consumers under their own brand.
Why are OCNs Important in Telephony?
The standardized assignment and use of OCNs facilitate several critical functions within the telecom ecosystem:
- Inter-carrier Communication: They help different service providers accurately identify and route calls or data between their networks.
- Billing and Settlements: OCNs aid in precise billing and settlement processes among carriers for shared network usage and services.
- Regulatory Compliance: They support regulatory bodies in overseeing the operations and services offered by various telecommunication companies.
- Service Provisioning: OCNs are essential for system-level management and provisioning of services, ensuring that the correct carrier is identified for specific operations.
Quick Reference: OCN Breakdown
To summarize the core aspects of an OCN, consider the following table:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Operating Company Number |
| Primary Domain | Telephony and Telecommunications |
| Core Function | To identify telecommunications carriers (landline, wireless, resellers) |
| Administering Entity | A major subset of OCNs are Company Codes assigned by the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) |
| Usage Context | Integrated into various iconectiv telephony products for operational purposes |
For more detailed information, you can refer to the OCN Wikipedia page.
