SCC ADOPTS 804 AREA CODE RELIEF;
SPLIT TO OCCUR APRIL 1, 2001RICHMOND -- The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is taking two approaches to relieve the exhaust of available telephone numbers in Virginia's 804 area code region. The SCC is ordering that the region be split on April 1, 2001, with the western section getting a new, yet to be assigned area code number. The eastern section, including metropolitan Richmond, will keep 804 and receive an overlay code in about six years.
The Commission's final order adopts the findings of an SCC hearing examiner earlier this year. The geographic split will occur one year in advance of the projected April 2002 exhaust of available numbers. The Commission says, "This should allow the industry adequate time to complete customer notice and education."
The 804 area code includes most of Central and Southside Virginia as well as the Northern Neck. Major cities include Richmond, Petersburg, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Danville.
The relief plan adopted by the Commission draws a line that splits the existing 804 area code region in half geographically. But the split, in terms of existing telephone customers, places one-third of them in the western section and the other two-thirds in the eastern section (see map).
Richmond, its surrounding metropolitan area including Petersburg, and the Northern Neck will retain the existing 804 area code. When this area subsequently exhausts, which is estimated to be in about six years, a new area code will be assigned to serve the same geographic region. An overlay code requires all calls within the area to dial 10 digits (area code, plus the number). This should provide relief for at least 20 years.
Central and Southside Virginia, including Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Danville, South Boston, and Emporia, will receive a new area code. Although phone customers will experience a one-time inconvenience of a change in their area code, seven-digit dialing for most local calls will be preserved. This is also expected to be a 20-year solution for this area.
The new area code number will be assigned by the company that serves as the North American Numbering Plan Administrator. NeuStar, Inc. is expected to make that decision by the end of the year.
The Commission will allow wireless telephone customers in the western region of 804 to retain their telephone numbers for up to two years after the split occurs. Because the region is getting a new area code, customers must have their wireless phones reprogrammed. The Commission believes the two-year grace period gives these customers "adequate time to return their telephones" to a service center for the upgrade.
The 804 area code was created in 1972 when it was split from Virginia's original 703 code, which served the entire state. Virginia now has five area codes. The most recent was introduced in April. It is an overlay code, 571, serving the same geographic region as 703. The new area code is now being given to new telephone service accounts in Northern Virginia.
CASE NUMBER - PUC990159
Map of recommended alternative for 804 area code relief
