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IURC > Communications Services Division > Area Code Relief for 812 Area Code Relief for 812

Overview

According to the most recent projections by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), the 812 area code in southern Indiana is scheduled to run out of assignable telephone numbers in the second quarter of 2015. Although steps have been taken to delay the area code's exhaust date, there comes a point in time when relief is necessary. Due to the limited amount of time before exhaust, a petition was filed with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) under Cause No. 44233 on August 3, 2012.

Although the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has broad jurisdiction over telephone number issues, it delegates authority to the states on how to introduce new area codes. Therefore, when a petition is filed with the IURC, the agency does not determine whether to implement area code relief; rather, it decides how it should be done based on the evidence presented.

History

The most recent area code to exhaust in Indiana was 219. In this case, an area code split was found to be the best solution based on the testimony given by industry representatives and the public. Ultimately, the IURC determined to split the area into three different area codes: 219, 260, and 574. Prior to this, other areas in the state had also been split to accommodate the growing need for numbers. The evolution of area code relief is represented below:

Case Documents

Procedural Schedule

Educational sessions

Educational sessions are an opportunity for the public to hear from the IURC and industry stakeholders about the area code relief process.

  • To be announced.

Field hearings

Field hearings are an opportunity for the public to speak directly to the IURC and are always held in the affected service territory.

  • To be announced.

Filing and hearing dates

  • April 24, 2013 - The NANPA will file its case-in-chief (testimony)
  • May 15, 2013 -  The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor and any intervenors will file their cases-in-chief
  • May 29, 2013 -  The parties may file responsive testimony to one another's cases-in-chief
  • June 18, 2013 -  An evidentiary hearing will be held

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the options for area code relief?

The most common methods of relief for area codes nearing exhaust include a geographic split or an overlay. A geographic split divides the existing area code into two or more areas with one of the areas retaining the existing area code and the other area(s) being assigned a new area code. An overlay, on the other hand, allows a new area code to be assigned over the same geographic area as the existing area code, which would allow current users to keep their numbers; however, it also means a neighbor or new business could have a different area code although they may be located next door. This would result in the need for 10-digit dialing (the area code and the seven-digit telephone number) for all calls, regardless of whether they are local or long distance.

How can I participate?

The IURC will hold educational sessions about the process and the proposed alternatives for area code relief. These sessions are an opportunity for the public to ask questions and learn more about the issues at hand. Field hearings will also be held in different locations throughout central and southern Indiana. During these hearings, members of the public have the opportunity to speak directly to the IURC and provide testimony in the case. If individuals are unable to attend, written comments may still be submitted to the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor. For more information, please click here.

To view more FAQs, please click here.