Because most people have a telephone line, a line for their modem and possibly a fax and cell phone number as well, phone numbers are running out.
Earlier this week, four new area codes were implemented into Eastern Massachusetts, requiring people to dial 10 digits when making local calls.
The new system provides more numbers, despite the fact your neighbor might wind up with a different area code than you. With the overlay, people who want to order take-out or those who call a friend just across the street must dial 10 digits, regardless of whether their area codes are the same.
The new area codes, 857, 774, 339 and 351 will overlay the existing 617, 508, 781 and 978 codes respectively.
“We didn’t have much of a choice,” said Rob Wilson, communications director for DTE. “We applied to the Federal Communications Commission to get more numbers, but by the time they granted authority, it was too late and we had to implement the geographic overlay.”
An advantage of this system is that existing phone numbers will not change. Wilson said that another option was to do a geographic split, which would have created some changes.
“This is an industry wide issue,” said Rick Colon, director of public affairs for Verizon Communications. “There was an explosion in the demand for numbers, new pagers and new phones, and that demand was outpacing the supply.”
Although existing phone numbers will not change, companies will begin giving out the ones with new area codes starting in about a month.
“All companies will gradually roll out area codes on an as needed basis after May 1,” Colon said.
This means that it is possible for someone to wind up with two area codes in the same house. For example, if a person has
an existing number and then wants to add another one sometime in May, the new one could have a different area code.
Verizon has been preparing residents for the change for the past eight months. Their press release warns customers to reprogram their computers, fax machines and business phones before April 2. Also, people should update their address books and other databases by writing down the area code.
“There has been an ongoing education effort since September,” Colon said. “We have given warnings with bill inserts. Our PR managers have gone out and spoken to community
groups, including
disability communities to prepare them. We have also been working closely with state officials to increase awareness. Now is the prime time to get the message out.”
How do people in Boston feel about the change?
“We’ve gotten a few complaints,” Wilson said. “Everyone will have to get used to it, and with time, people will adapt. They learned to adapt to computers.”
Srsti Purcell, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences, does not feel that the overlay of area codes will affect her.
“I don’t care about it,” she said. “But I don’t think it’s such a good idea. I wouldn’t want to have to dial 10 digits to call my best friend when I’m home,” she said.
The FCC is closely monitoring the situation throughout the country and is giving out fewer phone numbers.
“We are giving out phone numbers in blocks of 1,000 rather than 10,000,” said Michael Balmoris, an FCC spokesman. “This way we won’t be wasting any.”
Verizon reports that Massachusetts will now have nine area codes, but they are not the only state that must do this. According to the Massachusetts DTE, 16 other states, including New York, Connecticut, Florida and Maryland will put in overlays if they haven’t already.
DTE also said the overlay can help the state economy, as businesses can get all the services needed. And with a more competitive telecommunications market, companies will reduce their prices.
“It’s a function of the times we live in,” Wilson said. “This is the wave of the future, and we are not alone.”
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