private numbering plan (PNP)

The diversity of modern telecommunications means that many users can be reached via two, three or more communications devices. This diversity inevitably means that each subscriber can be reached via several different telephone numbers. To eliminate this number confusion, the different numbers are standardized via a private number plan (PNP).

The numbering plan assigns each subscriber a multi- digit subscriber number and, in addition, a number for the corresponding network or service.

For example, subscriber Meier could have 45 as his private call number. The network/ service code is then dialed before the telephone number: for example, 7 for ISDN, 9 for fax and 8 for mobile communications. Mr. Meier could therefore be reached by telephone via 745 or 845 and receive a fax via 945, regardless of his location. In principle, such a private numbering plan is a call forwarding.