717 area code running out of possible phone numbers
(Harrisburg) — An area of central Pennsylvania is running out of phone numbers.
The state utility regulator will hold two public hearings in Harrisburg next week on what to do about it.
The 717 area code is expected to exhaust possible phone numbers by mid-2018.
When that happens, the Public Utility Commission will need to have a plan in place to phase in new numbers.
PUC spokesman Nils Hagen-Frederiksen says one option is to split the area code geographically and assign a new code to part of the 16-county region.
“The recommendation is that a new area code, a new overlay area code, be put into place across the entire 717 area code when those numbers run out,” he says.
The meetings at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on August 9th will be “smart hearings,” meaning residents can comment by phone and watch the proceedings online through the PUC website.
Those wishing to make a comment by phone are asked to call 717-787-1399 as soon as possible.
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