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Area Code 315 revision discussion put off until 2016

Posted 11/14/13

The debate over how best to handle a new Area Code in the 315 region has been put on hold until 2016. According to a press release by the state Public Service Commission, the issue has been set …

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Area Code 315 revision discussion put off until 2016

Posted

The debate over how best to handle a new Area Code in the 315 region has been put on hold until 2016.

According to a press release by the state Public Service Commission, the issue has been set aside, for now, following a revised estimate by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator, the agency that administers Area Codes. The new estimate extends the life of the existing 315 area code region through 2016, the press release said.

“Due to the potential disruption that could be created when a new area code is added, it is prudent to temporarily postpone this proceeding given that extra time now exists before a decision must be made,” said commission Chair Audrey Zibelman. “However, as a result of all of the comments and suggestions we have received during the past months, we should be able to restart the proceeding quickly should the need arise.”

Initial discussion about splitting the 315 Area Code arose in Dec. 2007, but updated estimates over the years indicated that the area code would not be exhausted as quickly as initially predicted. In April the numbering agency projected an exhaustion date in the first quarter of 2015, and the commission restarted the proceeding.

“People in my district spoke loudly and with one united voice: splitting our 315 area code or adding new numbers from our region to a different area code would be a major inconvenience,” said state Sen. Griffo, R-Rome. “The commission heard that input, and I’m pleased it recognizes that such a change would be a potential safety and security hazard, as well as a financial blow to affected businesses.” Griffo, who represents Massena, Potsdam, Norfolk and other St. Lawrence County towns, had been outspoken in his opposition to the addition of a new area code in the region.

“From small business owners concerned about a loss of customers to local people who identify themselves as ‘315ers’, the change would have a real impact. I’m pleased that the PSC listened to those who spoke out and decided to put the proposal on hold,” said state Sen. Patty Ritchie.

Opponents of changing the 315 area code argued that the change would create confusion for residents and result in lost revenue for local businesses, according to a press release from Griffo’s office. Opponents also pointed to hundreds of thousands of numbers still unused.

The most recent prior estimate, from 2008, suggested just one-third of the area code’s available numbers were actually in use. For example, the independent Public Utility Law Project of New York found 40,000 numbers assigned to Star Lake, a hamlet home to about 800 people, Griffo staffers said.

For more information on the latest delay visit www.dps.ny.gov and enter Case Number 07-C-1486 in the box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number” or call 518-474-2500.