Meetings Set on Area Code

Pacific Bell, which is drafting plans for a new Orange County area code, has scheduled a series of meetings to allow public comment.

Increased demand for phone numbers in the 714 area code, mostly from fax machines, pagers cellular phones and computer modems, has prompted the plans for the new area code, which could be introduced as early as December 1997.

Proposals include splitting the county along geographic boundaries, which would force half the county to switch area codes, and an “overlay” that would allow current customers to keep their 714 code but require new ones to use the new code.

The meetings will include discussions of potential area code boundary changes, question-and-answer segments and chances for public comment.

The meetings are:

* June 18 at 7 p.m., Mission Viejo City Council Chambers, 25909 Pala St.

* June 19 at 7 p.m., Fullerton City Council Chambers, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave.

* June 20 at 7 p.m., Huntington Beach City Council Chambers, 2000 Main St.

Information: (800) 455-6914.