ORDER NO. 99-105

ENTERED FEB 19 1999

This is an electronic copy. Appendices and Footnotes may not be included.

OF OREGON

UM 924

DISPOSITION: INVESTIGATION OPENED

At our February 2, 1999, Public Meeting, Staff recommended that we open an investigation on the appropriate method of providing number relief for the 503 area code. Staff presented its recommendation in the form of the attached Staff Report. We adopted the Staff Report and opened the investigation.

The volume of traffic on the telecommunications network has rendered the current system of two area codes in Oregon inadequate. Action is required before all the available numbers are exhausted. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator, Lockheed Martin, filed a report with the Commission analyzing various alternatives. Lockheed Martin recommends a plan that would overlay a new area code throughout the geographic area now served by the 503 area code. Staff would like to explore the possibility of excluding the coast area from any area code changes at this time. There are several alternatives available to create additional numbers, and they should be investigated thoroughly. We seek information from industry representatives, communities, our Staff, and members of the public.

The telecommunications industry has declared area code 503 to be in jeopardy. That declaration allows the industry numbering group to implement tight controls on prefix number assignments. The group is temporarily limiting prefix assignments to three per month. We agree with Staff that the number of prefix assignments can safely be increased to six per month pending resolution of this investigation.

ORDER

IT IS ORDERED that:

Staff prepare a letter for our signature authorizing Lockheed Martin to increase the Oregon 503 area code assignment from the current rate of three prefix codes per month to a maximum rate of six prefix codes per month.

The Oregon Telecommunications Association reactivate the 1995 area code Communication Subcommittee. The committee shall develop plans for distributing information to the customer, developing customer-training materials, and seeking community involvement. All carrier groups holding prefix numbers within the 503 area code shall be represented on the committee.

Public hearings be held in key locations if there is sufficient public interest.

Staff seek information from the four incumbent carriers serving the coast region of the 503 area code to determine the feasibility of excluding that area from the changes to be made to the 503 area code.

Made, entered, and effective ____________________________.

 A party may request rehearing or reconsideration of this order pursuant to ORS 756.561. A request for rehearing or reconsideration must be filed with the Commission within 60 days of the date of service of this order. The request must comply with the requirements of OAR 860-014-0095. A copy of any such request must also be served on each party to the proceeding as provided by OAR 860-013-0070. A party may appeal this order to a court pursuant to ORS 756.580.