Who uses an area code

Shaners · October 23, 2001

We started having to use a 10 digit phone number late this summer to place all phone calls. (area code plus number)

It doesn't matter who I call now: neighbor, work, cell phone...

I always have to dial the area code first, without the "1". Not only do I think this is retarded, but it is a royal pain in the butt!!!

Does anyone else have to do this or is it just us lucky people in Western PA?

Kansas Kid · October 23, 2001

Here in central Ks, the only time you have to do that is when calling a cell phone. Of course you also have to dial 1. I hope they don't start doing that here, it sounds like a royal pain in the butt.

76BBSub · October 23, 2001

We have had this in the Houston area for a few years now, and they keep adding more area codes. Right now we have 281, 713, 409, and 832. I think they are adding another one soon, and Dallas has a bunch as well. So anytime you call one of those four area codes you dial ten digits, without the 1.

People who aren't from around here look at you funny when your home, work, and cel phone numbers all have different area codes....

Jeff

pacodiablo · October 23, 2001

that is stupid! why did they do that?

MadFish · October 23, 2001

I have to do that know when I call someone in eastern Kansas. I used to be able to call the store I worked at with out it, but now when I call I have to dial the area code. It kind of sucks considering I live about 5 minutes from the state line.

Stepside Z · October 23, 2001

Wow, sounds like you could walk next door to talk to your neighbor in less time then what it would take to call'em. ???

Shaners · October 23, 2001

Quote from pacodiablo, posted on Oct. 23 2001,5:16

that is stupid! why did they do that?

We have only 3 area codes serving Western PA. 724 (central western PA) 412 (pittsburgh) and 814 (northwest and southwest PA). It's all screwed up... the phone company claims dialing 10 numbers every time you pick up the phone allows them to ad extra local exchanges in each area code ie. you can now have the local exchange 662 in all three area codes.

The thing I don't understand is that if I want to dial a 662 number in my area code why do I have to dial the area code first?!?!? And what makes it worse, is when I call next door I dial all 10 numbers... (My area code, My exchange, My next door neighbor!!! And 10 numbers away!!!) :sneek:

October 23, 2001

In NH we only have one area code!

We only use 7 nunber dial, even on cell phones.

Stepside Z · October 24, 2001

Quote from SiiLT, posted on Oct. 23 2001,7:10

In NH we only have one area code!
We only use 7 nunber dial, even on cell phones.

Maine is the same way. I remember in 1987 when you only had to dial 5 digits to make a local call.

burgundyz71 · October 24, 2001

I am here in 814 land and we dont need to do it yet but I've heard that it wont be long. Yippee!!!! I think it's all crap

76BBSub · October 24, 2001

Quote from pacodiablo, posted on Oct. 23 2001,4:16

that is stupid! why did they do that?

Cel Phones, fax machines, second phone lines for dial-up internet access, more kids having their own phone lines, don't forget beepers, etc...

Population has been growing, they simply run out of numbers in some areas. This has effect has been accelerated with the explosion of the internet and cel phones.

It's really not a big deal once you get used to it, but the first 6 months can be a bit bothersome. I'm sure there is some expensive switch gear that could eliminate this requirement for local calls, but then everybody would complain about the increase in phone rates...

Jeff

CMNTMXR81 · October 24, 2001

We've got about 9 of them here in the Chicago area and they are talking about doing it again as they are out of numbers already. For instance, one of my cell phones is 630, another 708, my work 312, my home 630, the G/F's 847 and my Mom's 262.

Here is a rundown in the Chicago area

312

773

708

630

847

815

219

414

262

And I may be forgetting one or two.

CMNTMXR81 · October 24, 2001

Oh, I should also mention, it's been like this here since the late 80's, so I'm pretty use to it. Almost like breathing, it's become second hand! I've vaguely remember a time when no area code was needed