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> From: Wirt Atmar <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: 10-digit dialing (was: Fat16, Fat32 and NTFS)
> Date: Sunday, June 08, 1997 6:28 PM
>
> Is this overlay permanent -- or is it merely a transition mechanism?
> Generally, it's been the rural areas of the US that have had to suffer
the
> discomfort of getting their area codes changed. Only recently has this
same
> process been coming to a major city near you.

Yes - it seems that the Bells are doing one of two things in areas where
new area codes are needed.  They either go Geographically, or they use
Overlay Area Codes.  It's up to the Public Utility Commission and the
Bells together to decide how it goes.

In Maryland - specifically, the 310 area code, where Nick is, they placed
an overlay in place, thus - all callers in the 310 area code must dial all
10 digits - the area code and the number.  Go figure - your next door
neighbor may have a different area code than you!  It's becoming a popular
option to consider in the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast Corridor US,
where there the number of phones is skyrocketing - even higher than LA or
the Bay area.

>
> For a period of about six or nine months, both the old and new area
codes are
> in effect -- and then, on some preset date, they disallow the original
area
> code usage in the newly cleaved area code's region.

With overlays - the 6-month to one-year period is still used, but during
that period, if you dial a 7-digit number, you get a recording reminding
you about 10-digit dialing.

>
> The pattern you describe is the one that everyone is seeing. The a part
of
> the old Philadelphia area code (215) was partitioned into a second
> NANP-compatible area code (610) a few years ago -- and is now being
> partitioned again into new area codes yet again, where any number may be
> present in the second digit.

This is true - but with Cellular and now other devices exploding in the
Northeastern US, overlay area codes are becoming an option that are being
examined very seriously.  Right now, the PA PUC (Public Utility
Commission) is stuying it, and there's a roaring debate on overlays.  Bell
Atlantic prefers overlays as they are easier to implement, but there are
still quite a few people who absolutely do not want the overlays and want
another geographic area lopped off.  The problem is the 610 area code ---
some people who just got a new area code a few years ago, may yet get
another one.  On the Philly area at least, an overlay makes some sense.
(I can't say "in this area" - I'm in California right now :-)

Cheers,
Joe