Proposals emerge for more area code changes

Jasmine Lee

NEWPORT-MESA -- Residents might not want to get too attached to the 949

area code, which went into effect in 1998. They may have to dial another

three-digit combination in a couple of years.

The North American Numbering Plan Administration, which tracks and

studies prefixes and area codes, has proposed splitting Orange County’s

second area code. A study determined that the 949 numbers would run out

by 2002 -- mostly because of the high number of cellular phones and

pagers.

The proposals include different options for separating the cities that

share the area code. One possibility is an overlay only for new phone

numbers.

Local governments last month had a chance to make their recommendations

on an area code split. Costa Mesa, which uses 949 and 714, requested an area code that would be consistent citywide, said Jerry Verwolf, the

city’s telecommunications manager.

Residents, too, can voice their opinions at three community meetings this

month. The comments will be forwarded to the California Public Utilities

Commission, which must approve any area code changes.

The meetings are scheduled for:

* 1 p.m. March 22 at Lake Forest City Hall.

* 7 p.m. March 22 in San Juan Capistrano, at the community center.

* 10 a.m. March 23 at Laguna Beach City Hall

But an area code change may not be necessary so soon, said Kyle DeVine, a

spokeswoman for the Public Utilities Commission. She said the commission

will analyze the information provided by the administration, but could

come to a different conclusion. The commission will consider the

residents’ feedback in its decision.

“It’s important for people to come out and tell this commission what

their concerns are,” DeVine said.

DeVine said there are number-conservation measures pending that, if

approved, could reduce the amount of phone numbers and area codes. But,

for now, splitting area codes is a possibility.

The commission could make a decision in as soon as six months.