House bill would hang up 10-digit dialing

A state lawmaker is introducing a bill that would reverse an order issued by the Utah Public Service Commission mandating all phone calls made in Utah to require dialing 10 digits.

Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, said forcing callers to dial additional numbers would create unnecessary problems for too many people. He told the Deseret News that HB215 would allow area codes to be implemented geographically rather than require all new phone users to accept phone numbers with the new 385 area code.

"If we do a geographic split, then we would be able to maintain seven-digit dialing just like we do now for local calls," Dunnigan said. "If the overlay is implemented, then all calls will be at least 10 digits even if you call your next-door neighbor."

The measure was introduced in response to a July 2007 ruling in which the commission issued an order approving the use of an additional area code that would be utilized in the area currently served by the 801 area code. The order stated that beginning March 1, 2009, local calls would require 10-digit dialing to be completed and all new phone numbers issued would have the 385 area code.

"The crux of our decision was that telephones aren't hooked into the kitchen anymore," PSC Commissioner Ron Allen said.

"They don't belong to a geographic location, they are on everybody's hips," he said referring to the prevalence of mobile phones and what he said is a dwindling number of land lines.

"We're hearing from the telephone companies that about half the people no longer have regular phone service," Allen said.

Dunnigan contended that the "overlay" plan approved by the commission would not only force every caller to dial 10 digits but also requires callers to remember "which area code is part of that 10 numbers."

"It's challenging for many seniors to keep track of their contact information, so they are concerned about the overlay, and there are similar concerns for children," he said.

Commission Chairman Ted Boyer said the panel recognized that some might object to dialing extra numbers, but the overlay option was the best long-term solution. He also said the commission found that implementing the geographic solution would pose some significant economic challenges.

"It's more expensive for the phone companies to do the reprogramming, and we've estimated that the split would cost just the business community alone about $75 million, whereas the overlay wouldn't cost anything," Boyer said.