N11 Codes

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Service codes, commonly called N11 codes because of their format, are used to provide three-digit dialing access special services. The most common assignments of N11 codes, in Canada, are as follows:

In Telecom Decision CRTC 2008-61, dated 4 July 2008, the Commission approved the Canadian N11 Notification & Implementation Guideline. This guideline addresses the notification, planning and coordination of the implementation of N11 codes 211, 311, 511 and 811 in Canada.

In Decision CRTC 2001-475, Allocation of three-digit dialing for public information and referral services, the Commission determined that the allocation of unused N11 codes should be based upon the following guidelines:

• there must be a compelling need for three-digit access that cannot be satisfied by other dialing arrangements or it is demonstrated that existing dialing arrangements are not suitable for accessing the needed services;
• the assignment of an unused N11 code should be to a service or services rather than a specific organization;
• the provision of N11 dialing is to be based on a need to serve the broad public interest (including providing access to the telephone network to disadvantaged individuals or groups);
• the N11 dialing should not confer a competitive advantage on the service provider(s) reached by this number;
• the services to be provided through N11 dialing are to be widely available geographically and on a full-time or extended-time basis; and
• where possible, the N11 allocation to a service does not conflict with NANP and is in keeping with the CSCN guidelines for N11, which state that the application of N11 should be uniform and consistent throughout the NANP area to the maximum extent practical, and the unassigned N11 codes should be designated primarily for basic, or adjunct-to-basic, telecommunications services of a universal social value rather than for commercial use by certain industry segments.

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