Wirt defends ten digit dialing as necessary because of the
radically increasing demand for lines, particularly for
businesses.

Wirt, I cannot disagree with anything you say EXCEPT your
conclusion.  Sure, it looks like all (or almost all) area
codes will be required soon and the old method where an
area code could be distinguished from an echange can no
longer be used.  But consider:

1.  Isn't Canada a foreign country?  If treated as such,
    it would free up about a dozen area codes.
2.  The pound sign or the asterick key could be used to
    end a number (better than havng to dial the area code).
3.  A pause of a certain length could be used to indicate the
    number is complete:
    A.  4 digits would mean it was within the exchange are.
    B.  7 digits - in the area code area.
    C.  10 digits - in the US.

I believe some European cpuntries use the above method.

And that's some ideas just for starters.  I am sure there are
others that would allow us NOT to have to dial 10 digits for
every US call.

Nick Demos  [log in to unmask]
Performance Software Group

Tel. (410) 788-6777 Fax (410) 788-4476