|
As one of New York’s 15 million wireless consumers, I urge you to work closely with the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to find a consumer-friendly and resident-friendly solution to the 315 area code issue. As you may know, there is currently a “number crunch” in our district. With the proliferation across the region of telecommunications services requiring separate and additional numbers, all of the available numbers in our area code will be used by sometime in late 2010.
At this time, there are two proposals under consideration by the Commission to address this problem. One would split the region currently served by area code 315 into two area codes, meaning many residents currently with 315 area codes would be forced to change to a new area code. This proposal is potentially costly and problematic for both small businesses and for families and consumers, since any address books, printed materials, signage and other information bearing a phone number would have to be changed.
Another, and a better, solution - called the "overlay" approach - would allow existing businesses and individuals in the 315 area code to keep their 315 area code, but mandate that new numbers coming online would have the new area code. That makes sense to consumers, and it’s fair to all residents.
This issue impacts every consumer of telecommunication in our area, whether they need a home landline phone number, a cell phone number, or a pager or fax number. Over the next two weeks, the New York State PSC is holding town hall meetings in our district to discuss the best possible solution for consumers and small business owners. I ask that you and your staff closely monitor these meetings to insure that consumers' and residents' concerns are heard.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you on this important issue.
|
