Area code split: Difference between revisions

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{{Unreferenced|date=July 2008}}

In [[telecommunications]], aan '''splitarea plancode split''' is the practice of introducing a new telephone [[area code]] by geographically dividing an existing [[numbering plan area]] (NPA), and assigning a new area codecodes to one of the resulting divisions, andwhile retaining the existing area code only for one area, which is typicallyof the traditionally more developed or established placedivisions. The practice serves the purpose of preventingthis telephonepractice numberis exhaustionto inprovide regionsmore of[[central highoffice growth.prefix]]es, Theand increasingtherefore demand formore [[telephone numbers has been primarily caused by increasenumber]]s, in usean ofarea pagers,with faxhigh machinesdemand duringfor thetelephone 1990sservices, and proliferationprevent ofa cellphonesshortage andof [[smarttelephone phone]]s sincenumbers.

An increasing demand for telephone numbers has existed since the development of automatic telephony in the early 20th century, but was spurned especially since the 1990s, with the proliferation of fax machines, pager systems, mobile telephones, computer modems, and finally [[smart phone]]s.

After a numbering plan split is implemented, the telephone numbers in the affected area are changed to a new area code, which requires the printing of new stationery, advertisements, and signage; the dissemination of the new numbers to family, friends, and customers; and the subsequent need to update speed dial programming and address books. Auxiliary devices, such as cellphones, pagers, and fax machines, must be reprogrammed when an area code splits. In a number of areas, rapid growth during the late decades of the 20th century resulted in several splits within a short time, in some cases within a decade.

When an area code split is implemented, the telephone numbers in the affected area are typically changed to a new area code only, but this still requires the printing of new stationery, advertisements, and signage for many customers, and the dissemination of the new area code to family, friends, and customers. Computer systems, and telephone equipment may require updates in address books, and for speed dialing.

As a result, in the mid-1990s, the [[North American Numbering Plan]] Administrator introduced another method called [[overlay plan]], which assigns multiple area codes to the same numbering plan area. This permits customers to keep existing telephone numbers, but it requires [[ten-digit dialing]] for customers of both area codes. Since 2007, most territories use overlays for mitigating numbering shortages.

The area that retains the existing area code is typically the largest, or historically more more established or developed place.

Area code splits are typically planned well ahead of actual changes and are typically designed with respect to local municipal boundaries and the goal of providing stability in the numbering of an area for a period of ten years, if possible. Nevertheless, rapid growth in some areas has resulted in several splits within a much short time period.

As a result, in the mid-1990s, the [[North American Numbering Plan]] Administrator introduced another method for exhaustion relief, called [[overlay plan|area code overlay]],. This whichmethod assigns multiple area codes to the same numbering plan area., Thisso permitsthat customersexisting tosubscribers can keep existingestablished telephone numbers,. butOnly new accounts and extra lines receive telephone numbers with the new area code. This itmethod requires [[ten-digit dialing]] for customers of both area codes, even for local calls. Since 2007, most territories use overlays for mitigating numbering shortages.

==See also==