Albany, NY – The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) is inviting public comments on a proposal by staff of the Department of Public Service (Department) to implement a new area code for Suffolk County by means of an overlay. The overlay option means that one new area code would be used throughout Suffolk County for all new telecommunications services, while existing phone numbers would not be affected.

The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) has advised the Commission that the 631 area code is anticipated to run out of assignable telephone numbers in the first quarter of 2016. As a result, the Commission is required to determine how a new area code should be implemented to meet this need. After obtaining public input and considering all possible options, Department staff on October 2, 2014 recommended an overlay solution. Before considering the Staff recommendation, the Commission is inviting additional public input on this issue.

At the October 2, 2014 session, staff advised the Commission, based on a review of the NANPA petition and the filed comments, that the overlay option is the preferred alternative. Staff also recognized that the provision of area code relief in this case will affect the habits and practices of several hundred thousand customers using the telephone system within Suffolk County and of additional customers who are making calls into Suffolk County and that one further solicitation of public comment in this case could be useful. After this additional comment period expires, staff will consider the additional input received, re-evaluate its recommendation in light of the comments, and bring the matter to the Commission for a final decision at a later session.

On June 16, 2104, a Staff White Paper containing potential relief options was issued for public comment. In areas where number exhaust has been anticipated, new area codes in a given geographic area are generally provided in either of two ways: (1) an overlay, or (2) through a geographic split of the existing area code. An overlay option means that one new code is used throughout the entire geographic area for all new telecommunications services, while existing phone numbers generally are not affected.

Ways to Comment

Internet or Mail: Comments may be sent electronically to the Secretary, at secretary@dps.ny.gov, or mailed or delivered to Hon. Kathleen H. Burgess, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350. Your comments should refer to “Case 14-C-0182 - 631 Area Code Relief.”

Toll-free Opinion Line: Comments may also be submitted through the Commission’s Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120. This number is designed to take comments about pending cases from in-state callers, 24 hours a day. Callers should press “1” to leave comments, mentioning the 631 Area Code proceeding.

A full copy of the petition and Staff White Paper may be viewed, printed or downloaded from the Commission’s website at http://www.dps.ny.gov by searching for Case Number 14-C-0182. Comments are requested no later than November 7, 2014, but will be accepted throughout the pendency of this proceeding. Comments will become part of the record considered by the Commission. Written comments may be accessed on the Commission’s website by searching Case 14-C-0182 (at www.dps.ny.gov, enter Case Number 14-C-0182 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number") and clicking on the “Public Comments” tab. Many libraries offer free Internet access.

The Commission’s decision in this case, when issued, may be obtained on the Commission’s website by searching for Case 14-C-0182 as described above. 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.