A method, and a switched network adapted to carry out the method, and
computer-readable media carrying instructions for controlling the network,
to increase the utilization of the North American Numbering Plan. Numbers
that otherwise would be stranded in a low growth rate area are ported to a
network switch serving another rate area. When a switch receives a called
number it determines if the number is portable and, if so, accesses a
database to determine if the number has been ported. If the number has
been ported the switch processes the call in accordance with information
linked to the number in the database so that stranded numbers can be
assigned to stations without regard to the rate area in which the stations
are located.
