a) Each Block in the Assignment has Assignable as its Allocation Status immediately before the Assignment is created; b) Each Block in the Assignment has the same Usage Conditions; c) The services intended to use the Assignment satisfy the applicable Usage Conditions; and, d) Each Block in the Assignment adjoins another Block or another Assignment that has the same Usage Conditions, unless there is no such other Block or particular Blocks being requested in the application for the Assignment. 2) The creation of Assignments, the return of Blocks, and the withdrawal of Blocks may split or combine Blocks that would otherwise be identified separately in the National Numbering Plan. PART SIX RETURNING NUMBERS 21. Returning Number Blocks 1) A Licensee may return Numbers to the Authority providing the reason for not assigning the numbers, and propose new timelines for Assignment. 2) A Licensee may apply to the Authority for approval to return a Block and in doing so, the Licensee shall use the forms made available by the Authority to provide the following: a) The name and contact details of the applicant; b) The particular Block to be returned to the Authority; and, c) An affirmation that every Number in the Block has “Available” as its Utilization Status. 22. Decisions on Applications for Returning Blocks The Authority shall grant an application for approval to return a Block and the granting approval to return a Block may be subject to variations in: 1) The quantity of Numbers to be returned to the Authority; and, 2) The particular Block to be returned to the Authority. 23. Factors in Evaluating Applications for Returning Blocks In making a decision about an application for approval to return a Block, the Authority shall take into account factors including, but not limited to: 1) The digit analysis capabilities of telecommunications networks that are operated in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; and, 2) The quantity and fragmentation of Blocks that do not have “Assigned” as their Allocation Status. 24. Timing of Decisions on Applications for Returning Blocks 1) The Authority shall review and make decisions regarding applications for approval to return Blocks in the order in which the applications are received by the Authority. 2) The Authority shall communicate its decision on an application to the applicant, including reasons for any refusal of an application, within fifteen (15) working days of receiving the application. 7