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{{Unreferenced|date=July 2008}}
In [[telephony]], a '''split plan''' is the practice of introducing a new [[area code]] by dividing an existing area code's territory and applying the new area code to one of the resulting divisions, thus replacing the existing area code within that section.
 
The increasing demand for telephone numbers is caused by the increase in use of pagers, fax machines, and cellphones, which requires new area codes in increasingly-densely-populated areas.
Split plans are used as growth in demand for telephone numbers (due to the increase in use of pagers, fax machines, and cellular phones) require new area codes in increasingly densely populated areas. After a split plan is implemented, the telephone numbers in an affected area are changed to a new area code, requiring printing of new [[stationery]], advertisement, and signage, and the dissemination of new numbers to family, friends, and customers and their subsequent need to update speed dial programming and address books. Auxiliary devices such as cell phones, pagers, and fax machines must be reprogrammed when an area code splits. In a number of areas, rapid growth during the second half of the 20th century resulted in several splits within a short time, in some cases within a decade.
 
Split plans are used as growth in demand for telephone numbers (due to the increase in use of pagers, fax machines, and cellular phones) require new area codes in increasingly densely populated areas. After a split plan is implemented, the telephone numbers in anthe affected area are changed to a new area code, requiringwhich requires the printing of new [[stationery]], advertisementadvertisements, and signage, and; the dissemination of the new numbers to family, friends, and customers; and theirthe subsequent need to update speed dial programming and address books. Auxiliary devices, such as cell phonescellphones, pagers, and fax machines, must be reprogrammed when an area code splits. In a number of areas, rapid growth during the second half of the 20th century resulted in several splits within a short time, in some cases within a decade.
As a result, in the mid-1990s, the [[North American Numbering Plan]] introduced [[overlay plan]]s, which apply multiple area codes to the same area. They allow customers to keep existing phone numbers, but require [[10-digit dialing]] in the affected area. Since 2007 many territories use this plan when adding area codes.
 
As a result, in the mid-1990s, the [[North American Numbering Plan]] introduced [[overlay plan]]s, which apply multiple area codes to the same area. They allow customers to keep existing phone numbers, but require [[10-digit dialing]] in the affected area. Since 2007, many territories use this planoverlays when addingthey add new area codes.
 
==See also==