Press Release

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today took another step in its efforts to slow the exhaustion of area codes by ordering Core Communications and PaeTec Communications to each return approximately 10,000 inactive and unused telephone numbers.

The PUC believes the numbers were unassigned to customers because both Core and PaeTec failed to respond to the PUC’s requests for information.  When companies fail to respond to PUC inquiries regarding their use of telephone numbers, the PUC’s efforts to lengthen the lives of Pennsylvania’s existing area codes are hindered. 

The PUC ordered Core Communications of Annapolis, Md., to return numbers in the 477 exchange of the 267 area code in Southeastern Pennsylvania.  PaeTec Communications of Fairport, N.Y., was ordered by the PUC to return numbers in the 396 exchange of the 267 area code.

Until 1993, Pennsylvania had only four area codes.  By 1999, five new area codes were added to the Commonwealth.  In August 2000, just one month after receiving authority from the Federal Communications Commission to do so, the PUC adopted an order requiring carriers to either verify that numbers in their inventories are assigned to customers or return them to the area code.  This process is a vital component of the PUC’s efforts to preserve Pennsylvania’s area codes, and because of it, approximately 2 million numbers from across the state have been returned.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage: http://puc.paonline.com.

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Core Communications – Docket No. M-00001373F0021