X-no-Archive:yes
We have the geographical split going with Bell Atlantic in the greater
Boston area, with the six month warning having been given for the changes.
Much of 508 became 978, but with geographical perversity, and no * apparent
* rhyme or reason for when we are required to dial the area code within 978
and when we are not. I usually try it without first, and just see what
happens. Most peculiarly, my former exchange was shared with another area
code (I move last spring). I regularly got calls on both my data line and my
cell phone for my number, but in an adjacent area code. For my old data
line, I asked callers to have "Donna" remind callers to dial her area code.
Apparently, she regularly did business in my area, and callers did not
always dial the area code, so got my data line. I did contemplate making up
a fantastic story to tell callers when they asked for Donna... but never
did. And somewhere near by, a furniture store has my cell phone number but
in their area code. I have yet to agree to deliver furniture at the
requested time... I cannot see these problems getting better, regardless of
split versus overlay.

And I expect the phone companies to announce the four digit area codes some
time next year. That will give the Y2K remediators something else to do.