IP: \FCC lifts ban on technology-specific area codes

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-wireless-area-codes1216dec16.story?coll=sns%2Dap%2Dpolitics%2Dheadlines

WASHINGTON -- States may seek new area codes exclusively for cell 
phones and pagers now that the government has lifted a ban on the 
practice, hoping to address the pressing demand for telephone numbers.
Area codes have multiplied to cope with the explosion in technology 
-- the separate lines for computers, cell phones, faxes and pagers. 
Regions have responded to the demand by splitting up area codes among 
geographic areas or laying another area code over an existing one.
The Federal Communications Commission banned such "overlays" 
dedicated to specific kinds of technology in 1996. The agency enacted 
the ban because it considered separate area codes for cell phones and 
pagers unfair to wireless companies -- people would have to dial 10 
digits instead of seven to reach wireless customers.
But states including California, Massachusetts and Ohio have been 
asking for ways to prevent existing area codes from running out of 
phone numbers, the agency said.
The commission will now hear proposals from states on how they intend 
to conserve area codes on a case-by-case basis, including plans to 
use technology-specific area codes.
"Allowing states such flexibility in how to address numbering issues 
is crucial," FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin said in a statement. "The 
states are on the front lines of this battle."