Trading Partner Profile (TPP)

Trading Partner Profiles (TPPs)

TPP (Trading Partner Profile) refers to the agreement between two carriers to establish number portability between their networks. The FCC requires carriers to provide number portability to customers (with limited exceptions in certain locations or situations).

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What a TPP Contains

A TPP typically includes key local number porting information (aka Business Rules) such as:

• Company name

• SPID(s)/OCN(s)

• Type of SPID (wireless or wireline)

• Business hours and holidays

• Residential & business account porting rules

• Where to submit CSR/LSR requests

• Escalation contacts

• Other important details such as FOC grace periods and same-day FOC procedures

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Information Required 

NumHub requires the following information to establish a Trading Partner Profile:

• Operating Company Number (OCN): Assigned by NECA.

• Administrative OCN: The OCN of the company managing the BIRRDS (Business Integrated Routing and Rating Database System) database.

  BIRRDS contains routing and rating data for calls. It includes a complete description of all Local Exchange Companies’ networks in the NANP area and information related to the networks of other code holders. It supports message routing, common-channel signaling call setup routing, and operator-service access routing. Data covers all CO Codes assigned under the guidelines and all NPAs administered under the NANP.

• Service Provider ID (SPID): The NPAC account number, typically derived from the NPAC user’s OCN.

• Facility-Based or Reseller: Indicate whether the company has CLEC status.

• Carrier Service Verification/Confirmation:

  • Specify whether services are disconnected once the number has successfully ported out.

  • Or specify that disconnection will be scheduled when FOC has been issued (include time and date).

• List the OCN(s)/SPID(s) for each state where you do business:

  • OCN

  • SPIDs

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How TPPs Are Exchanged

• For most carriers, this “handshake” is simply a PDF or Word document exchanged via email.

• Some carriers with more advanced systems or portals allow you to request porting access through their website/GUI.

Note: For RBOCs such as AT&T or CenturyLink, you’ll need to work with an account manager and complete a longer (often legal) process to gain system access, often called an ICA or Interconnect Agreement.

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Typical Timelines

NumHub’s experience shows that most TPP exchanges are completed within 3–5 business days, except when accessing older, legacy systems (such as those provided by RBOCs), which may take a month or more.

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Best Practice

Expand your trading-partner base as much as possible. You never know when a customer may want to switch providers, and having established TPPs prevents the losing carrier from becoming a blocker to new business.

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Need Help?

Questions about TPPs or assistance acquiring one? We’re happy to help. Email us at [e-mail].

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