TO: EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS

DATE: December 18, 1998

FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Perry Baker (602) 542-0844

ACC PICKS NEW AREA CODE PLAN FOR MARICOPA COUNTY

The Arizona Corporation Commission, by a vote of two to one, has adopted a new area code plan for Maricopa County. The Geographic Split plan will assign the existing 602 area code to central Phoenix, with a second area code being given to the West Valley and a third going to the East Valley.

Commissioner Chairman Jim Irvin noted that this final plan was the best possible solution the panel could adopt. "This not only gives each distinct area of the Valley a geographic identity of its own, it provides the longest possible life for all three area codes, preserves seven digit dialing within area codes and eliminates toll calling between area codes."

Irvin and Commissioner Renz Jennings, who also supported the plan, noted that when the next area code relief is needed, most likely after 2005, the controversial overlay plan may meet less consumer resistance and would probably make better sense to alleviate number shortages at that time, after a geographic identity has been established.

The new area codes will probably be introduced to consumers in March, 1999, and become mandatory by September, 1999.

The plan will now be submitted to the North American Numbering Plan Administrator, the agency that regulates and maintains all area codes in the nation. They will assign the new West Valley number within a few weeks. The ACC today assigned the 480 area code to the East Valley.