The following column was submitted by State Representative Dorothy Pelanda.
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) projects when an area code will run out of numbers, and the Public Utilities Commission has the job of deciding how to create a new area code.
Reasons for this include population increases, and demand for wireless phones and other telecommunications devices.
NANPA has determined that area code 740 will run out of numbers in the second quarter of 2015, and implementing a new area code is already underway.
The PUCO has two options to resolve area code “number exhaustion”: overlay or split.
The “overlay” option superimposes a new area code in the entire existing 740 area code. All customers retain their current numbers, but it would require 10-digit local dialing (area code plus 7-digit number). The advantages of an overlay are that it would be least disruptive to customers, who would retain their current numbers; and businesses would not have to change advertising, letterheads, and other materials. The disadvantages include the fact that one user could have services with different area codes(a wireless and a landline phone).
The “split” option creates a new area code for a portion of the existing 740 area code, while the remainder of the area retains 740. The advantages include the fact that local 7-digit dialing remains the same. The disadvantages obviously include “winners and losers” in terms of retaining the existing code, and that in this option, a split is imposed even if not yet needed in some areas.
Public comment is a necessary part of the process before implementation of either option.
Written comments and questions can be sent to:
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
180 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Reference: 13-700-TP-COI
Written comments can also be submitted to PUCO’s website, www.PUCO.ohio.gov through a customer survey.
As always, your comments or questions are welcome. I am privileged and proud to represent you at the Statehouse.
State Representative Dorothy Pelanda represents the 86th House District in the Ohio House of Representatives, which includes Union and Logan counties, as well as most of Marion County. You can find more information about and contact Pelanda by clicking here.
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