TO: EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS

DATE: December 3, 1998

FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Perry Baker (602) 542-0844

ACC TO RECONSIDER PLAN ON NEW AREA CODE FOR MARICOPA COUNTY

During an open public meeting set for December 10, 1998, at 9:00am, the Arizona Corporation Commission will reconsider their recent action to implement an area code overlay in Maricopa County.

Presently, over one-half of all Arizona telephone numbers are in the 602 calling area, and with the increasing demand for new lines, second lines, computer modems, fax machines and wireless service, it is projected that all available numbers will be exhausted by June, 1999.

After numerous public hearings throughout the county, a professional consumer survey and the solicitation of written comments from the public, the ACC staff originally recommended that the Commissioners adopt an area code overlay as the long term solution to the problem.

An "Overlay" would mean that existing customers would have kept their current 7-digit number with the 602 area code, and new customers would receive a 10-digit number including the new area code, which has been designated to be 480.

After receiving extensive public comment on the adoption of the overlay system, with public sentiment running over 80% in favor of a traditional geographic split, Commissioner Chairman Jim Irvin called for an official reconsideration of the original vote and additional public comment and consideration in support of the geographic split option.

The open meeting will be held in the ACC Hearing Room, 1200 W. Washington. The public is invited to express their views on the two proposals, with all comments being limited to not longer than three minutes.