Number activation state

Mobile operators rely on the concept of number activation state to indicate the status of a phone number. Mobile operators use deactivation lists to manage the data or scripts in automated processes for the activation state of numbers or accounts.

The benefits of monitoring and managing number activation state are:

• Streamlines the deactivation process, enabling deactivation in bulk and the reduction of manual intervention
• Efficiently speeds up the deactivation process, saving time and reducing disruption to end users
• Provides a record of deactivation activities for monitoring and ensures compliance with legislation

Infobip provides a way to look up the number activation state and return details on whether a number has been deactivated, and in some cases, if it has been reactivated, suspended, or ported to another network. When a mobile operator deactivates a phone number, the number is no longer in service for the end user. Deactivation can occur when the user switches operators without taking their number or when they close their account.

Eventually, deactivated numbers are recycled and used by new subscribers. During that time, there is a risk of unintentionally messaging a reassigned number, and reaching an end user who may not have opted into the communication.

Features

USA compliance

This risk holds significance in the United States due to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) categorizing such messages as spam, which can result in fines along with potential class action lawsuits.

For detailed guidelines for SMS and MMS compliance in the USA, see Deactivated phone numbers for USA.