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.
