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Telecommunications

      
   
Area Code Relief - 920 Area Code Relief

What area code relief options were examined for the 920 area code?

On June 19, 2007, NeuStar, in its role as the North American Numbering Plan Administration and on behalf of the telecommunications industry in Wisconsin, filed a petition with the PSC seeking relief in the 920 area code.  At that time, NeuStar anticipated that the 920 area code would run out of available telephone prefixes by the second quarter of 2010. More recent estimates indicate that the 920 area code will last until the second quarter of 2016.

NeuStar’s petition identified four relief alternatives; an overlay and three split options.  You may view NeuStar’s petition that outlines the four relief alternatives pdf document (188 kb), as well as the other documents associated with this case (5-TN-106) on the PSC website. As part of its investigation, PSC staff worked to inform the public of the pending relief efforts, to educate the public about the potential relief alternatives and to solicit both public and Industry comments in this proceeding.    

The Commission considered the 920 area code relief docket at an open meeting on November 6, 2008.  As the Commissioners noted in their deliberations, there is no option for area code relief that pleases everyone.  Both methods of relief, either an overlay or a geographic split, have perceived pros and cons.  However, for the  920 area, the Commission determined that an overlay is the best alternative because it allows for the most efficient use of Wisconsin’s new numbering resources, it minimizes many potential implementation problems and because it does not impose a financial burden on those customers who may have been forced to change their area code.  NANPA has assigned the 274 area code to overlay the 920 area code.  


Were there public hearings to discuss the proposed relief options for the 920 area code?

Yes, there were seven hearings throughout the 920 area code in October 2007. View the hearing schedule.


What will the new area code be in the 920 area?

On November 6, 2008, NANPA asssigned the 274 area code to overlay the existing 920 area code.


When will the 274 area code be implemented in the 920 area?

View the 920/274 Implementation Schedule.