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On June 1, 1998, an additional area code, 720, is scheduled to be placed over the existing Colorado 303 area code. When the new area code is introduced, two area codes will service the same geographic area. This area code "overlay" is being implemented to make more numbers available to meet growing customer demand for additional telecommunications services and products.
Why is a new area code necessary in Colorado? (The 970 area code was assigned in January 1996.)
Colorado is running out of usable telephone number prefixes in the existing 303 area code. This is happening because of dramatic growth in the demand for new telephone lines, computer modems, fax machines, pagers, cellular telephones, and voice mail. Also, as more providers enter the market to meet this demand, additional numbers are required.
While the Colorado telecommunications industry Numbering Conservation Task Force is continuously looking for ways to allocate numbers in the most efficient manner, it still will be necessary to add a new area code to handle the growth going forward.
Why was it decided to use an overlay method of relief?
Because it allows everyone to keep their existing numbers. It's also less confusing and less expensive for customers when compared to the time and expense of changing existing ten-digit phone numbers, as required by a geographic split.
The overlay method places an additional area code over an existing area code boundary, in this case 303. This results in two area codes serving the same geographic area. Existing 303 customers will retain their number and the 303 area code; new customers or existing customers requiring an additional line may be assigned the new 720 area code number.
Isn't it confusing to have two area codes in one location or one neighborhood?
It doesn't have to be. After February 1, 1998, think of your phone number as ten digits-instead of seven.
When will the new 720 area code go into effect?
Although the Colorado telecommunications industry Numbering Conservation Task Force is continuously looking for ways to allocate numbers in the most efficient manner, it still will be necessary to add a new area code to handle the growth going forward. For that reason, customers should begin dialing ten-digit numbers and need to make whatever changes are necessary to their equipment before the scheduled June 1, 1998 mandatory dialing date.
The implementation of the new area code is set up as a two-fold process:
_ Transition (Permissive) Dialing Period, February 1, 1998 through May 31, 1998.
Customers in the 303 area code should start dialing ten-digit phone numbers for all
local calls at this time to give themselves plenty of time to get accustomed to the new
process and to make sure their equipment has been modified as needed.
During this time, customers should update manual dialing lists by adding area codes to
existing numbers and update automatic-dial or speed-dial phone options and call-forwarding
features by changing entries to include area codes with each number.
_ Mandatory Dialing Date, scheduled for Monday, June 1, 1998
On this day forward, all local phone calls within the 303 area code need to be dialed
using ten-digit numbers.
What phone services will not change?
_ Local calling areas
_ Your ten-digit telephone number
_ Emergency calls to 911
_ Directory assistance calls
_ Calls to 500, 700, 800, 888, 900, and 950 numbers
Will people have to change their existing numbers?
No. Customers in 303 will not have to change their existing numbers. They need to, however, begin dialing ten-digit numbers to complete all local calls.
Will customers who call a 303 number from another 303 number have to dial ten digits to complete their local calls?
Yes. Once the 720 area code is introduced on the scheduled date of June 1, 1998, ten digits need to be dialed to complete all local calls. This is the case for 303/720 customers regardless of the area code of the originating or receiving number.
Will calls from a 720 number to a 303 number be considered long distance?
Calls that were local before the introduction of 720 will remain local calls, regardless of whether the area code is 720 or 303. Local calling areas do not change. Keep in mind that dialing a different area code number does not necessarily designate a long-distance call.
If customers happen to dial a "1" or "0" in front of the local ten-digit number, will there be special charges for that call?
Probably-it depends on your telephone carrier. Customers who dial a "1" in front of a ten-digit local number will either hear a recording telling them that dialing a "1" is not necessary to complete the call, or will be charged long-distance rates for the call's completion. Customers who dial a "0" in front of a ten-digit local number will probably pay special operator-assisted rates for the call.
Who gets the new 720 area code numbers?
After June 1, 1998, only persons within the current 303 area code ordering new service or an additional line may be issued a 720 area code number for that line or service only. Existing numbers with the 303 area code number will not change.
Does that mean that all new numbers assigned after June 1, 1998 will be in area code 720?
No. There are still numbers left in some of the 303 prefixes. A prefix is the second group of three digits in a ten-digit number. For example, in the number (303) 495-1234, the prefix is "495". If there are still "495" numbers available (example 495-6789), the telephone industry will use up those numbers in that central office before new 720 area code numbers are assigned.
How will this new 720 area code impact home telephone service?
For customers currently in the 303 area code:
_ Local calls need to be made by dialing ten-digit phone numbers-area code plus number.
_ Numbers will have to be re-entered on equipment that use automatic-dial, speed-dial
or call-forwarding to place local calls. In these cases, existing numbers should be
re-entered as ten-digit numbers.
_ Preprinted items such as stationery and checks should be updated to include ten-digit
numbers.
_ Advise callers to include the area code when they place calls to the 303 and 720
area.
_ If an additional line is ordered after June 1, 1998, a 720 area code number may
be assigned.
How are businesses affected by the new 720 area code?
Beginning February 1, 1998, businesses that currently reside in the 303 area code should:
_ Start thinking of their phone number as ten digits-instead of seven.
_ Verify that their communications equipment can dial and accept ten-digit numbers.
_ Verify with their telephone systems vendors that specialized communications
equipment, electronic telephone sets, auto-dial or multi-line key systems can dial the new
area code. Some phone systems may require modifications or upgrades in order to dial or
accept the new type of area code format. Any changes to equipment need to be made prior
to the June 1, 1998 scheduled mandatory date.
_ Remind their customers of the possible need to make changes to equipment.
_ Begin including ten-digit numbers on all printed materials, such as stationery,
business cards, advertisements, promotional items, brochures, and catalogs.
_ Begin the practice of dialing all local calls by using the ten-digit numbers.
_ Inform employees and customers about ten-digit dialing, and request that they dial
local calls by using ten-digit numbers.
_ Update any call-forwarding, automatic-dial or speed-dial features to dial ten digits
for local calls.
_ Notify alarm service providers of all appropriate ten-digit numbers so alarm service records and equipment can be updated as needed.
_ Be aware-if an additional line is ordered after June 1, 1998, a 720 area code number may be assigned.
After the scheduled introduction of the 720 area code on June 1, 1998, what happens if a customer dials the wrong area code when trying to place a call?
A customer may not reach the person or business they're trying to call. That's because the same seven-digit numbers will be available for use in both 303 and 720 areas. For that
reason, it's important that customers know the full ten-digit number of the person or business they want to reach.
How will customers know whether the number begins with a 303 or 720?
U S WEST Dex will begin publishing ten-digit numbers in its 1998 directories for everyone in the 303 and 720 areas.
Do cellular telephones and other wireless communications need to be reprogrammed to accept the new 720 area code?
No. However, for customers in the 303 area code, numbers will have to be re-entered on equipment that use automatic-dial, speed-dial or call-forwarding to place local calls. In these cases, existing numbers should be re-entered as ten-digit numbers.
What other communications services might be affected by the new 720 area code?
_ Numbers will have to be re-entered on equipment that use automatic-dial, speed-dial
or call-forwarding to place local calls. In these cases, existing numbers should be
re-entered as ten-digit numbers.
_ Alarm service providers should be notified of all appropriate ten-digit numbers.
_ Owners of coin-operated telephones should contact their equipment vendor for specific requirements of their equipment.
Is there a number to call for questions?
Customers should call their local telephone company repair number or service provider to report difficulties. The number to call is usually printed on monthly invoices.
Are there other resources for information?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission's website contains additional information:
http://www.puc.state.co.us/10dig.html
Also, your service provider may have a website or 800 number available. This information will be available in bill inserts and other advertising materials.
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