This object contains an unused value for an EVC on a MEF compliant NE, or a zero to indicate that none exist. This value needs to be read by the SNMP Manager in order to find an available index for row-creation of an EVC and then used when a row is created. This value is automatically updated by the SNMP Agent after the row is created. Referential integrity is necessary, i.e., the index needs to be persistent upon a reboot or restart of a NE. The index is never to be reused for a new EVC on the same MEF compliant NE until it wraps to zero. The index value keeps increasing up to that time. This is to facilitate access control based on a fixed index for an EMS, since the index is not reused.