The High Cost of Static Global Numbering Plan Data

Before addressing the risks of data decay, it is essential to define the foundation: what exactly is a Global Numbering Plan (GNP)? At its core, a GNP is the definitive map of the world’s telephony landscape. It provides authoritative intelligence on every mobile and fixed phone number worldwide, identifying whether a number is valid, which carrier it belongs to, and its specific service type, such as mobile, landline, or VoIP. Without this map, businesses are essentially navigating the global communications network blindly, leading to the “one and done” data traps that erode operational efficiency.

In international telecoms, data is the most perishable asset you own. With over 50 billion number changes occurring globally every month, the “one and done” approach to numbering plans is costing enterprises millions in hidden fees and failed deliveries.

We are pleased to announce the launch of Atlas (formerly TeleShield Routing) as a standalone product. By moving this intelligence out of our TeleShield suite and into its own dedicated service, we are providing the industry with a sharper, more agile foundation for Mobile Number Intelligence™.

The 30% Failure Trap

Many organisations rely on numbering databases updated once a year. Our research shows that numbering plan gaps cause an average of 30% of calls or SMS messages to be sent to invalid or unallocated numbers. This isn’t just an operational nuisance; it is a financial drain. Carriers often apply premium rates to these failures, and repeated attempts to reach unallocated ranges can trigger regulatory scrutiny or carrier blocks.

Debunking the Myth of Static Data

A common misconception is that the Atlas is relatively static. In reality, GNP gaps have caused hundreds of billions in losses worldwide, even when businesses have firewalls in place. The root cause is often overseen: sourcing and maintaining this data requires a carrier-grade solution and a dedicated team of experts.

Every numbering plan is different, drawing from ITU, Mobile Operators, and various Regulator documents. These are published in disparate formats, requiring significant normalisation to convert them into actionable databases. Because published data is frequently discrepant, providers must implement multiple error check-points and possess the deep industry knowledge required to resolve conflicts accurately.

Precision at Scale

Atlas does more than check if a number “looks” right. Our team performs approximately 195 updates a month across 168 unique destinations. In regions prone to rapid change, such as the USA, we perform updates daily. We also conduct proactive, scheduled reviews for every country to identify changes that operators may not have yet posted. This ensures that new, authoritative intelligence is integrated into our service every single business day.

Building a Reliable Foundation

A key breakthrough in this launch is our ability to identify Ported Numbers in Unallocated Ranges. Standard plans often flag valid, ported numbers as unallocated when a telco returns a range to a regulator. Our deep analysis prevents these false negatives from disrupting your customer experience.

Whether you are building a directory or managing CPaaS activities, Atlas is your first line of defence. To guarantee you are working with the latest data, a query-based solution is highly recommended. However, for those opting for a database download, frequent updates are essential to prevent data decay.