Field hearings on possible 812 area code changes | News

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 ten 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 and meeting times include

St. Meinrad ‐ Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST:  St. Bede Theater, Saint Meinrad Archabbey, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577.

Additional meetings will be held in Evansville, Vincennes and several other locations.

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, visit www.in.gov/iurc/2703.htm.  If you would like to access other case‐related documents under Cause No. 44233, visit the 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.