INDIANA (WFIE) -
Because of continued high demand for additional telephone numbers in the 812 area code serving south central and southern Indiana, current projections show there will be no further numbers available by March 2015. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) is traveling throughout the state to hear from the public about the proposed options and to raise awareness about why changes are needed in order to continue serving the region.
"Population growth, economic progress, and the demand for new services (i.e., cell phones, faxes, and computers) have all contributed to the number shortage," said presiding Commissioner Larry Landis. "If left unaddressed, there would come a time when existing and new customers would be unable to receive a telephone number in the 812 area code because there are no further 812 numbers available."
To address this issue, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) filed a petition with the IURC seeking relief on behalf of the industry. In this case, the NANPA's petition included seven options – a combination of geographic splits and overlays.
Before rendering a decision on the matter, the IURC will travel to 10 different locations to collect public comment. If individuals are unable to attend, but would still like to provide comment, they may do so by submitting written comments to the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC). For more information, please visit: www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm.
The locations represent small, medium, and large communities throughout the area and are served by different telecommunications providers. These communities are as follows (all times are local):
Terre Haute - Monday, March 4, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST
Terre Haute City Hall, Courtroom, 17 Harding Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47807
Bloomington - Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST
Bloomington High School South, Auditorium, 1965 S. Walnut, Bloomington, IN 47404
Jeffersonville - Monday, March 11, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST
Jeffersonville High School, Auditorium, 2315 Allison Lane, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Evansville - Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. CST
Washington Middle School, Auditorium, 1801 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714
Vincennes - Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST
Vincennes Lincoln High School, Auditorium, 1545 S. Hart St. Road, Vincennes, IN 47591
Bedford - Monday, March 25, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST
Bedford North Lawrence High School, Performing Arts Center/Schafer Auditorium, 595 Stars Boulevard, Bedford, IN 47421
French Lick - Monday, April 1, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST
Springs Valley Junior-Senior High School, Auditorium, 326 S. Larry Bird Boulevard, French Lick, IN 47432
St. Meinrad - Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. CST
St. Bede Theater, Saint Meinrad Archabbey, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577
North Vernon - Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST
Jennings County Middle School, Auditorium, 820 West Walnut, North Vernon, IN 47265
St. Leon - Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST
East Central High School, Auditorium, 1 Trojan Place, Suite A, St. Leon, IN 47012
At each hearing, the OUCC will participate and brief the public on the process that will be followed in this case. The briefing will start at 5:30 p.m., local time, at each hearing.
For more information about area code relief and options proposed by the NANPA, please visit us online at www.in.gov/iurc/2703.htm. If you would like to access other case-related documents under Cause No. 44233, visit our Electronic Document System at https://myweb.in.gov/IURC/eds/. Instructions on how to best use this database can be found at www.in.gov/iurc/2666.htm.
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