John,

> The end result of this is supposedly 10-digit phone numbers
> where the first
> three digits (that we now call an area code) will just be
> three digits and
> not related to a geographic area.  I don't recall the article
> indicating
> when universal number portability might be a reality.  Maybe a 3000-L
> reader knows more about this subject.

Actually, although toll-free numbers are portable (I can take mine to MCI,
Sprint or any other carrier, from AT&T), area codes as we know them will
probably become what they have in the UK and other countries - city codes.

Four-digit "area codes" are on the horizon and the day will come where not
only will we have overlays, but they will be geographical as well, and cover
much smaller areas than they do today.  Example:  Area Code "215" (mine)
will just be "Philadelphia" - or maybe even just a portion of Philadelphia.
My area might become some other area (I'm north of Philadelphia, outside of
the city limits).  In the UK, it's absolutely normal to dial a city code
before the number and it's absolutely normal to give the city code as part
of your number, if you give it out.

BTW - Looks like the Philly area will get mandatory 10-digit dialing soon.
AC 215 is getting crowded again and they're talking two overlays - 1 over
215 and 1 over "610", which was put into place a few years ago and took over
about half of what was *then* 215.

Best Regards,
Joe

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