HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-09 - AGENDA REPORTS - OVERLAY AREA CODE (2)AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approv 1
Item to be presented by: Steve Stark
CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE: March 9, 1999
SUBJECT: OVERLAY AREA CODE
DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services
City Council endorse the concept of an overlay area code for cellular telephones, fax
machines, and computer modems for Southern California, and that a letter be signed by
City Council and sent to Governor Davis, Senators Feinstein and Boxer, California's
Congressional and State legislators, and the Public Utilities Commission.
BACKGROUND
On January 12, 1999, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors endorsed the concept of
an "overlay' area code for cellular telephones, fax machines, pagers, and computer modems
for Southern California.
The proliferation of new area codes in Southern California has created confusion,
inconvenience, and increased costs for residents and businesses. The latest occurrence is on
area code `213." The area formerly served by the `213" area code will include the new `323"
area code. This is especially confusing, because it will be in the shape of a doughnut hole.
As a result, a motorist driving from Pasadena or Glendale to LAX will start in the "626" or
"818" area code, enter the `323" area code, leave the `323" area code, enter the `213" area
code, leave the `213" area code, and enter the `323" area code again, and finally (for now)
enter the `310" area code.
An alternative to the endless division of area codes is the "overlay" concept in which one
area code is assigned for all of the cellular telephones, fax machines, pagers, and computer
modems in the region. New York City, which was the last telephone market allowed to
segregate wireless carriers by area code, has had to add only one area code in the past 12
years.
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OVERLAY AREA CODE
March 9, 1999 — Page 2
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, motioned by Michael D. Antonovich,
asserted the need for elected officials in Sacramento and Washington to put an end to the
proliferation of new area codes.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Do not endorse the concept of an overlay area code.
2. Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. An overlay area code could potentially
provide cost -savings to businesses.
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