In recent years various communication and information exchange services known as Over-The-Top services have emerged. The provision of these services may be provided independently of the Internet access service provider.  Some OTT services use E.164 numbers to enable interoperability with classical telecommunication services. The use of numbers with OTT services raises a number of regulatory issues such as granting rights of use of numbers, access to emergency services and number portability. In order to meet national and European regulatory requirements it would appear that some OTT services would need to be treated in the same way as traditional electronic communications services.

The aim of the report is to gain knowledge on the different regulatory practices and to analyse the need, assignment and use of numbering resources by OTT services/apps and the impact of related regulatory obligations.The conclusions of the Report could inform discussions on the forthcoming review of the EU regulatory framework. The Report should take into account the work of BEREC on the classification of OTT services.