Does New Hampshire Need a Second Area Code?


The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission is holding consumer
forums to hear your opinions about a new area code for New
Hampshire.

The national organization that assigns telephone exchanges and
area codes has notified the Commission that New Hampshire is
expected to run out of telephone exchanges in the 603 area code
in the year 2000.

The Commission is looking at ways to prevent waste of the
existing pool of numbers and save 603.  But in the meantime,
under federal law, the Commission must open a proceeding to
determine how New Hampshire would add a new area code.  There are
different options.  We could split the state geographically.  Or
we could overlay a new area code on top of 603.  Explanations of
the options will be provided at the forums.  More information
will also be available on our website shortly. 

The Commission welcomes comments about the impact that a new area
code would have upon you.  We also want to know which of the
options you would prefer, if we do have to add an area code.  The
Commission expects to make a final decision by mid-summer as to
how we would implement a new area code.  

For additional information, please contact us at 1(603)271-2431
or in NH at 1(800)852-3793.


Schedule

All forums will begin at 7pm. May 11, 1999 City Council Chambers, Portsmouth May 12, 1999 Laconia High School Gymnasium, Laconia May 13, 1999 Former Court Room, Municipal Building, Hanover May 18, 1999 Keene Recreation Center, Keene May 18, 1999 City Hall Auditorium, Nashua May 19, 1999 Alderman's Chambers, City Hall, Manchester May 20, 1999 Littleton Opera House, Littleton