Council urges state and federal agencies to reconsider area‑code planning after 310 overlay problems
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Summary
The council voted to support legislation asking state and federal regulators to pursue more rational area‑code and phone‑number planning, citing difficulties created by overlays such as the 310 implementation; the motion passed unanimously in the recorded vote.
The Los Angeles City Council voted to put the city on record supporting state and federal action to produce more rational planning for area codes and phone numbers, a response to problems raised by overlays such as the 310 area‑code change.
Council member Sekowsky (as noted in the meeting record) introduced the measure, saying overlays have doubled the number of area codes in parts of California since 1997 and have forced residents and businesses to dial full 11‑digit numbers for local calls in some cases. Sekowsky said the change creates practical problems for security systems and local businesses that cannot easily be reprogrammed to accept 11‑digit dialing.
Another council member who supported the motion called the city's experience with overlays a kind of “field test” that had produced negative effects, and urged unanimous support. The clerk announced the vote (12 ayes) and the council approved the city’s request that the PUC, the FCC and other relevant agencies consider more rational assignment practices and consult with the city.
