Commission Delays Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has indefinitely extended the seven-digit dialing period for phone service customers in the 812 area code. Previous plans called for mandatory 10-digit dialing to start early next month, but concerns have been raised by communications companies serving the medical and law enforcement sectors. August 7, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Today the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) ordered that the permissive dialing period (i.e., seven digit dialing) for the 812 area code overlay remain in effect until otherwise ordered. Previously, the permissive dialing period was scheduled to run through Sept. 5 with mandatory 10-digit dialing beginning Sept. 6.
As a result of the IURC's order, customers can continue using seven-digit dialing when making local calls. Without this change, customers would have been required to use 10-digit dialing when making local calls starting Sept. 6.
Recently, the IURC became aware of concerns regarding the ability of critical segments of the business community and telecommunications providers to prepare for the switch to mandatory dialing, specifically those serving the medical and law enforcement industry. With safety being the utmost priority, the IURC has reopened the record in this proceeding to assure that public health and safety concerns are addressed prior to mandatory 10-digit dialing going into effect.
A technical conference to discuss the issues raised in the Commission's Order in cause no. 44233, is scheduled for Sept. 3, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. in room 224 of the PNC Center, 101 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.
The Commission is a fact-finding body that hears evidence in cases filed before it and makes decisions based on the evidence presented in those cases. An advocate of neither the public nor the utilities, the IURC is required by state statute to make decisions that balance the interests of all parties to ensure the utilities provide adequate and reliable service at reasonable prices.
For more information, please visit: www.in.gov/iurc.
Source: The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission