TO: EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS

DATE: January 6, 1999

FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Perry Baker (602) 542-0844

WEST VALLEY AREA CODE ASSIGNED

The Arizona Corporation Commission has been informed by the Numbering Plan Administrator, the body that maintains the integrity of all area code numbers, that the newly assigned West Valley area code will be:

(623) SIX-TWO-THREE

The new area code will be implemented on March 1st, 1999, with permissive dialing lasting through September 1st, 1999. Calls between valley area codes will require ten digit dialing, but will not be considered a toll call. The central Phoenix area will retain the existing (602) area code and the east valley will use the previously announced (480) area code.