The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) announced today it was putting on hold its proceeding to determine how best to create an additional area code in the 315 area code region. The Commission made its decision based on a revised forecast from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), the agency responsible for administering area codes, extending the time needed to the third quarter of 2016 for a new area code in the 315 area.

“Due to the potential disruption that could be created when a new area code is added, it is prudent to temporarily postpone this proceeding given that extra time now exists before a decision must be made,” said PSC Chair Audrey Zibelman. “However, as a result of all of the comments and suggestions we have received during the past months, we should be able to re-start the proceeding quickly should the need arise.”

The Commission initially instituted the proceeding in December 2007 to investigate and evaluate options for making additional telephone numbers available in the existing 315 area code region, serving all or part of 18 northern and central New York counties. However, subsequent updates over the years by NANPA, the entity designated by the Federal Communications Commission to administer area codes throughout the United States, indicated the area code would not exhaust as quickly as initially predicted.

In April of this year, NANPA had projected an exhaust date in the first quarter of 2015, and based upon that forecast the Commission restarted the proceeding and held public statement hearings to receive public comments. However, NANPA has now projected the exhaust date to be the third quarter of 2016.

The Commission’s decision today, when issued, may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 07-C-1486 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500).  If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.