As all possible phone numbers in the 315 area code will be in use by 2010, a new area code needs to be introduced. The New York State Public Service Commission will hold a public meeting on May 12 at the Cayuga County Office Building to discuss options for area code relief.
The two primary choices are an overlay or a split. With an overlay, everything remains the same and new phone numbers take on a new area code.
With a split, the 315 area is divided into two geographic regions and one of the two areas is assigned a new area code.
On the surface it is a negligible debate, certainly not an attention grabbing issue. Frankly, if there aren't enough chairs at the meeting, I'll be very surprised.
But I think people underestimate just how much a decision like this will affect their daily lives, particularly businesses.
Some companies invest hundreds of thousands in stationary, advertising and promotion. Not to mention local businesses like eateries that print the company's phone number on every box and wrapper.
Also, there are the inconveniences of changing a home phone number. Consider all of the doctors, businesses and organizations that have your contact number on file, not to mention family and friends.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but this decision is going to leave a lot of people peeved, either way. It's not a flashy debate, but it's an important one. What makes the most sense moving forward?
I think that an overlay is an easy vote because the option is the most convenient, as existing numbers would remain the same. Remembering two area codes isn't too tricky and it's nowhere near as burdensome for residents and businesses.
A divide is more complicated and not a permanent fix. Areas will continue to shrink to accommodate the ever growing number of cell phones.
Actually, cell phones have almost eliminated the significance of an area code. With features like mobile to mobile and free “in-plan” calling, rates are no longer determined from region to region, but rather how long you talk.
Besides, what difference does it make how many area codes are assigned to a region if you have all your numbers on speed dial?
Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
With a split, the 315 area is divided into two geographic regions and one of the two areas is assigned a new area code.
On the surface it is a negligible debate, certainly not an attention grabbing issue. Frankly, if there aren't enough chairs at the meeting, I'll be very surprised.
But I think people underestimate just how much a decision like this will affect their daily lives, particularly businesses.
Some companies invest hundreds of thousands in stationary, advertising and promotion. Not to mention local businesses like eateries that print the company's phone number on every box and wrapper.
Also, there are the inconveniences of changing a home phone number. Consider all of the doctors, businesses and organizations that have your contact number on file, not to mention family and friends.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but this decision is going to leave a lot of people peeved, either way. It's not a flashy debate, but it's an important one. What makes the most sense moving forward?
I think that an overlay is an easy vote because the option is the most convenient, as existing numbers would remain the same. Remembering two area codes isn't too tricky and it's nowhere near as burdensome for residents and businesses.
A divide is more complicated and not a permanent fix. Areas will continue to shrink to accommodate the ever growing number of cell phones.
Actually, cell phones have almost eliminated the significance of an area code. With features like mobile to mobile and free “in-plan” calling, rates are no longer determined from region to region, but rather how long you talk.
Besides, what difference does it make how many area codes are assigned to a region if you have all your numbers on speed dial?
Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
