Ten-digit numbers the right choice

ISSUE: New area code
OUR VIEW: Overlay zone right decision

Long after New Year’s resolutions are just memories, Kentuckians in our region will have a new opportunity to exercise: Using their fingers for 10-digit dialing.

After a false start a few years ago, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator notified the Kentucky Public Service Commission that without a new area code, the 270 area code that covers much of south central and western Kentucky would be out of numbers within two years.

That prompted a debate about whether to break up the region and assign a new code to one specific geographic area, or to create an overlay region with two operable area codes.

The commission debated, and held a series of public meetings to discuss the issue and weigh public sentiment.

The public stayed home in droves to express its apathy.

Creating a new area code assigned to one geographic area would have been a nightmare. Consumers would have had to change their phone numbers. Documents from business cards and stationery to billboards would have had to be trashed or amended.

The downside is 10-digit dialing and education.

The need for a new area code was prompted by the proliferation of wireless devices and cellphones. Anyone with even passing knowledge of that technology probably already dials 10 digits on the rare occasions they actually dial numbers and not a shortcut or from a contacts list.

In opting for an overlay area code, the commission made the right choice. Apparently the public agrees.

This editorial represents a consensus of The News-Enterprise editorial board.

This editorial represents a consensus of The News-Enterprise editorial board.

AT A GLANCE

1. All current area code 270 numbers remain unchanged. Nobody is required to change their area code or phone number.

2. The overlay affects both landline and wireless services.

3. Area codes 270 and 364 will occupy the same physical space beginning March 2014.

4. Ten-digit dialing — dialing the area code before dialing the number itself – will be required for all local calls.

5. Ten-digit dialing also will be required for local calls into or out of the overlay in those areas that now allow seven-digit local calling across the area code 270 boundary.

6. Long-distance calls within the overlay will require 11-digit (1-plus) dialing, just as long distance calls to other area codes do now.

7. A transition period begins Aug. 3, 2013 and ends Jan. 31, 2014. During that time, local calls can be made using either seven-digit or 10-digit dialing.

8. On Feb. 1, 2014, 10-digit dialing for local calls becomes mandatory in the area code 270/364 territory.

9. Numbers with area code 364 may be distributed beginning March 3, 2014. Providers may continue to distribute 270 numbers as long as they have any remaining in their inventories.

SOURCE: Kentucky Public Service Commission