Numbering is a key enabler of development for both commercial and competitive factors for the telecommunications industry. A numbering policy should be based on defined political and social policies. These objectives should be driven by the need to provide a competitive environment and objectives resulting from a rapidly changing economic and technological environment. The Antigua and Barbuda numbering policy will take into account of the following issues: Flexibility to meet future needs. Increasing demand for numbers will arise from the introduction of new telecommunications services as well as the growth of existing services. Facilitation of effective competition. All telecommunications providers will receive fair and nondiscriminatory treatment in the allocation of numbers. Number portability will be introduced where appropriate. Cost effectiveness. The development of the numbering plan will take account of the costs that may be imposed on consumers, operators and service providers. Provision of information to consumers. Where possible, numbers will indicate meaningful information to callers, such as the type of call and the price band. All new numbering arrangements will be required to support effective competition. The companies that have rights to the numbering resource should receive fair and equal treatment with respect to access and allocation to numbers. Additionally, number portability should be supported by any numbering arrangements. 16