Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Local officials protest plans to split up the 408 area code

By Jeff Kearns

While parts of Los Gatos may receive a new area code, Saratoga will almost certainly be cut in half by the line, leaving one half in 408 and the other in the new area code. Representatives from both cities came to an April 23 meeting in Los Gatos, sponsored by the Public Utilities Commission, to express their dissatisfaction with the possible changes.

Representatives from the North American Numbering Plan Administration, which oversees the assignation of area codes, and some telecommunications companies were on hand to hear what area officials and residents had to say. The PUC gives the final approval on new area codes.

Los Gatos City Manager David Knapp told the representatives it was important to maintain the integrity of communities and to keep them whole.

Knapp insisted that the technology exists to prevent splitting up cities, but the PUC won't require phone companies to do so because it would be an inconvenience.

Saratoga City Manager Larry Perlin came to the Los Gatos meeting to express his dissatisfaction with the alternatives--or lack thereof--for his city.

Saratoga residents, business owners and city officials say getting a new area code for the city would be bad enough, but dividing the city into two area codes is simply unthinkable.

Saratoga Mayor Don Wolfe said he and other city officials plan to put as much pressure as they can on the PUC to keep Saratoga intact, even if the city has no control in the matter.

The Santa Clara County Cities Association recently sent a letter to the California/Nevada Code Administration, which said that the association was unanimously opposed to any area code changes which would split a city into different area codes.

But city officials and residents will probably be disappointed, says Mary Jo Borak, a PUC regulatory analyst.

"I don't think they understand the technology issues involved. There are real technical infrastructure constraints you have to deal with. It's highly unlikely Pacific Bell is going to spend millions to dig up streets and lines when they can't keep up with the current demand for service," she said.

Some residents have called for a new area code assigned only to wireless services, but FCC regulations prohibit any codes assigned on the basis of technology or service. At issue is fairness, and the commission decided in 1995 to deny new area codes for cell phones, pagers or faxes to prevent one service from being more favored by the public than others.

Pacific Bell is one of more than 30 service providers that will meet June 1 to decide which plan works best.

Their recommendation will be forwarded to the PUC. A final recommendation will be prepared for the commissioners, who will ultimately approve, deny or modify the proposal.

The PUC will be accepting public comments on the new area code until May 20. Letters may be sent to the California Public Utilities Commission, Telecommunications Division, 505 Van Ness Ave,, Room 2003, San Francisco, 94102.

[ Back to Contents Page | Los Gatos Weekly-Times Home Page | Archives ]