Press Release

PUC Holding Public Input Hearings on 814 Area Code Renumbering

Published on 2/18/2010

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded consumers in the 814 area code about five hearings currently scheduled to receive public input on proposals designed to ensure adequate numbering resources in the 814 area code.

The 814 area code is projected to run out of telephone numbers in the third quarter of 2012. New area codes are needed when existing area codes exhaust their supply of “NXX” codes (which is the second set of three digits in a 10-digit telephone number, NPA-NXX-XXXX).

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Katrina Dunderdale will conduct the hearings at:

6 p.m. Feb. 22, 2010

Ramada Inn, Ballroom C

1 Sheraton Drive

Altoona, PA

6 p.m. Feb. 23, 2010

Richland Township Events & Conference Center

176 Mount Airy Drive

Johnstown, PA  15904

6 p.m. Feb. 24, 2010

Ramada Inn, Grand Ballroom

1450 South Atherton Street

State College, PA 16801

(ALJ David A. Salapa will preside)

6 p.m. Feb. 25, 2010

Quality Inn & Suites

8040 Perry Highway

Erie, PA 16509

6 p.m. March 4, 2010

Somerset Fire Company

340 West Union Street

Somerset, PA  15501

The North American Numbering Plan Administrator, “NeuStar Inc” (Neustar), which is the neutral third-party Number Planning Area (NPA) relief planner for Pennsylvania, petitioned the PUC on behalf of Pennsylvania’s telecommunications industry to institute an “overlay” plan. An overlay plan means that once the existing telephone numbers in the 814 area code are exhausted, new telephone services in that geographic region would be assigned telephone numbers out of the new area code. Ten-digit local dialing would then apply to all telephone calls.

In view of the well-documented disruption to customers caused by changes in their area code, the Commission voted on July 23, 2009, to seek comments from consumers, the industry and other interested parties involved regarding the final area code decision.

Five relief alternatives are proposed by the telecommunications industry for ensuring adequate number resources. The alternatives include an overlay of a new area code and various geographic splits of the existing area code running east to west, north to south or northeast to southeast. More specifics on the plan can be found on the PUC’s website – PUC Order; Appendix.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision. The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.
• Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. P-2009-2112925

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov