http://decisionpublications.com/nvcnews2

   The monolithic telephone providers and our elected officials are telling us we’re running out of 818 numbers, so we have to split the code in half.

   Is this just another way to create jobs for printers and computer programmers?

    It is difficult to believe that with more than 9,000,000 different combinations in area code 818, they can be actually running out of numbers.  This equates to over six phone numbers for each man, woman and child living in the 818 area code (or almost fifteen lines per family).

   Could it be possible that there are tens of thousands of unused numbers floating in cyberspace and no one can find them?  Is there any kind of inventory control on these numbers?  If the City were to charge a non-use fee to the ownership of these blocks of unused numbers, we would all be surprised how many would be placed back in the available number bank.  City Council members, are you listening?  We have found another fee to help balance your budget.  With all these disclaimed numbers, there would undoubtedly be enough numbers available to last for the next twenty years.  By that time, we will hopefully have a new and better system.

   The above solution to the problem will never be utilized simply because those in power are determined to use the new 747 area code.  With the media still hyping recession, the bureaucracy would hate to squander another “money-wasting” bad idea.

   If phone companies are intent on using the 747 area code, one possible solution would be to issue the new code to lines which only make outgoing calls, such as elevator phones, fire alarms, burglar alarms, inter-company or corporate communication lines, internet lines, computer lines; the list goes on and on.  Additionally, how about issuing all new cell phones this 747 area code?

   It’s only a guess, but with the conversion of these line uses and the returning of unused (reserved) numbers.  We certainly would have enough 818 area code phone numbers to last for decades.

   Even though these ideas are good ideas and will work: the phone companies will not favor them.  This is because they would have a difficult time justifying the hefty fees they charge us for non-published phone numbers on all the outgoing only call lines.  This would be a lot of lost revenue.  With a weakening economy, no one wants to pass on a savings to rich consumers.

   Well, we can all look forward to calling our neighbors by dialing eleven digits.  On the other hand, maybe it isn’t such a bad idea to get a new number.  With so many digits to dial or push, hopefully it will be a little more difficult for the telemarketers and surveyors to call us during dinner.