|
|
|
Area Code Relief - Overlays
What is an overlay?
An area code overlay occurs when more than one area code serves the same geographic area.
Relief is provided by implementing a new area code within the same geographic region as the area
code that is exhausting. With an overlay, all current customers keep their area code and
telephone number. However, telephone numbers with the new area code will eventually be
assigned to new customers requesting service, as well as to existing customers ordering additional
lines. Because both area codes reside within the same geographic area, all local calls must
be dialed using the area code and the 7-digit telephone number (10 digits). In addition:
- There are multiple area codes serving the same geographic area with an overlay, but the
geographic size of the area code is maintained. Subsequent area code relief in the area,
if needed, will most likely be another overlay.
- Overlays avoid the need for public and political involvement concerning split boundaries
and determining which side of the split line should retain the old area code.
- An overlay will not require existing customers to change their area code. There is no
need to revise stationery, business cards and advertising unless these printed materials contain
only 7- digit phone numbers.
- An overlay may require that customers adjust their automatic dialers or call forwarding
arrangements to incorporate the area code on all calls.
Why must an overlay apply to all services?
This is a FCC requirement so that all telecommunications providers and technologies are treated alike.
If the new area code only applied to some services (say to wireless services or new telecommunications
providers), there would a competitive disadvantage. The telephone numbering system is intended
to be competitively and technology neutral.
Why is it necessary to dial the area code
and the 7-digit telephone number (10 digits) for local calls with an overlay?
This is also a FCC requirement. With an overlay, two area codes exist in the same
geographic area. As a result, the area code is needed to properly route the calls
to the correct destination. The 10-digit dialing requirement also avoids disadvantaging
newer providers and promotes the goal of having a numbering system that is competitively
neutral.
How is a new area code introduced in an overlay?
The new area code is introduced in three steps. These steps are designed to guide
consumers by familiarizing them with the new area code and the dialing changes that are
required with an overlay.
- 10-Digit Permissive Dialing: During a permissive 10-digit dialing period, customers
are encouraged to begin using the area code and the 7 digit number to place all local
calls from the area code, although these calls will still complete if caller dials only
the 7-digit number. During this time, life safety systems, alarms, PBX’s,
fax machine calling lists, speed dialers, private entry access systems, auto-dialers
and out-dialing lists on personal computers should be reprogrammed.
- Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing: Mandatory 10-digit dialing begins at the end of the formal
permissive dialing period. Callers must use the area code and the 7 digit number for
all local calls from the area code. Calls incorrectly dialed using only 7-digits
will be referred to a recording which will inform the calling party that it
is necessary to dial the area code and the 7-digit telephone number to complete the call.
- Introduction of the New Area Code: Numbers in the new overlay area code are introduced
shortly after mandatory 10-digit dialing begins.
How will an overlay and 10-digit dialing impact my home and business telephone service?
Your calling areas and rates will not be impacted by an area code overlay.
Calls that were considered local before the introduction of the new area code will remain
local calls. Calls that were considered long distance before the new area code will
remain long distance calls. However, during the permissive dialing period both residential
and business customers should begin making changes in anticipation of the scheduled mandatory
dialing date:
- Dial all local calls using the area code and the 7-digit number (10 digits).
- If you have equipment or services that are pre-programmed to dial using only 7 digits, it's
important to reprogram to 10-digit dialing for all local calls before the mandatory dialing date.
Also, be sure to update any call-forwarding, automatic-dial or speed-dial features that you may have.
- Update printed materials such as stationery and checks to include your 10-digit telephone number.
- Let family, friends and business associates know about your 10-digit number.
- Teach children their 10-digit telephone number and how to call home.
- Educate elderly relatives and friends about the need to dial 10 digits.
Additionally business customers should:
- Update life safety systems, fax machines, private dial access entry and PBXs.
Contact your equipment vendor(s) if you need assistance.
- Update other sophisticated services and equipment such as message detail recording equipment,
alternate route or least-cost routing systems, toll restriction, mobile telephone service,
cellular telephone service, alarm circuits and PC modems.
- Include 10-digit telephone numbers on all printed materials such as stationery, checks,
business cards, advertisements, promotional items, brochures and catalogs.
- Inform employees and customers about the 10-digit dialing requirement in the area and
the need to dial all local calls by using 10 digits.
- Notify alarm service providers of the 10-digit dialing requirement so that records
and equipment can be updated as needed.
- Test telephone equipment to determine if it can dial and accept 10-digit dialed
calls. Questions regarding changes to your telephone equipment should be directed
to your equipment vendor(s). Any updates or changes to equipment
must be made prior to the scheduled mandatory dialing date.
- At least thirty days prior to the start of mandatory dialing a test number will be
established. This will allow business customers to verify that their equipment
can complete calls to the new area code. The test number will only be active
for a limited time period.
Compare the key differences between a geographic split and an overlay.
|
