Krays: There is nothing stopping NeoMedia from licensing the application today. The clock starts ticking the date the patent is filed. They may have already done so. I am sure Neustar has at least reviewed it.
Interoperability is done three ways - 1) through a shared registry or registry scheme, 2) direct or stand-alone processing, 3) carrier monopolgy.
Assuming the claims clear prior art, and the patent is granted, no one else can use the claims. This is a little clearer in other nations, but a bit messy in the US.