Press Release

PUC Schedules Public Input Hearings on 717 Area Code Renumbering

Published on 3/9/2010

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced five hearings in the 717 area code to receive public input on proposals designed to ensure adequate numbering resources in the 717 area code.

The 717 area code is expected to exhaust its supply of telephone numbers by 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). PUC Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) will conduct the hearings at:

6 p.m. March 18, 2010

Hearing Room 1, 2^nd Floor

Commonwealth Keystone Building

400 North St.

Harrisburg, PA  17120

ALJ Kandace F. Melillo will preside

6 p.m. March 22, 2010

Lancaster County Marriott

Independence Room 2^nd Floor

Penn Square

25 South Queen St.

Lancaster PA  17603

ALJ Wayne L. Weismandel will preside

6 p.m. March 23, 2010

Four Points by Sheraton

Falling Springs Room

1123 Lincoln Way East

Chambersburg PA  17201

ALJ Louis J. Cocheres will preside

6 p.m. March 24, 2010

Holiday Inn Express

Conference Room 110

140 Leader Heights Road

York, PA  17403

Judge Susan D. Colwell will preside

6 p.m. March 25, 2010

Wyndham Gettysburg

Presidential Ballroom

95 Presidential Circle

Gettysburg PA  17325

ALJ David A. Salapa will preside

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 because the 717 area code is projected to run out of telephone numbers. 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).

Six relief alternatives are suggested for ensuring adequate number resources. The alternatives include an overlay of a new area code and various geographic splits of the existing area code. More specifics on the different plans can be found the PUC’s website – PUC Order.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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-2009-2136951

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722