Spring Break
New CT area codes go into effect Saturday
Jay Polansky
Issue date: 11/13/09 Section: News
Ten is the new seven.
Starting Saturday, Connecticut residents will be required to dial the area code when making local calls. Callers who do not follow the procedure will be greeted with a "hang up and call again" message, according to the state Department of Public Utility Control.?
The state seeks to create additional phone numbers. That goal is accomplished by creating "overlays," adding supplementary area codes to regions that already have them. Area code 959 will overlay 860 and 475 will overlay 203, according to the department.?
But, some students say that the change will not affect their dialing habits. ?
"I have a cell phone registered in a different area code. I have to dial the area code anyway, so I'm unaffected," said Dan Worroll, a 1st-semester chemistry major. Worroll added that he does not dial phone numbers most of the time because most of the numbers he typically calls are programmed into his phone.
Robert Garcia, a 1st-semester psychology major, said that he uses his landline in his room to have long conservations with his parents to avoid wasting cell phone minutes. He said that he heard about the area code change before but did not take much notice to it.
The new dialing procedure will not affect the procedure for emergency calls. Three-digit phone numbers for social services such as 911, 211 and 411 will remain the same. Prices for calls within the area codes will remain the same and customers who have an existing number will not have to change their area code, according to the department.
Pat Meinweiser, manager of the University Information Technology Help Services, said that the help center has not received many calls about the new dialing procedure as of Thursday. But, she believes that the change might "cause a level of frustration" and that the "true tell-all" will occur when the change is officially implemented.
Meinweiser said that the department is equipped to handle calls about the new dialing procedure. Callers who call help services will automatically hear a recorded message that will offer instructions on how to properly call a local number.?
Meinweiser also said that many people might dial 11 digits, one plus the area code. But, that extra number is not necessary for local calls. Students having difficulty calling local numbers are asked to call UITS Help Center at 860-486-4357.
Starting Saturday, Connecticut residents will be required to dial the area code when making local calls. Callers who do not follow the procedure will be greeted with a "hang up and call again" message, according to the state Department of Public Utility Control.?
The state seeks to create additional phone numbers. That goal is accomplished by creating "overlays," adding supplementary area codes to regions that already have them. Area code 959 will overlay 860 and 475 will overlay 203, according to the department.?
But, some students say that the change will not affect their dialing habits. ?
"I have a cell phone registered in a different area code. I have to dial the area code anyway, so I'm unaffected," said Dan Worroll, a 1st-semester chemistry major. Worroll added that he does not dial phone numbers most of the time because most of the numbers he typically calls are programmed into his phone.
Robert Garcia, a 1st-semester psychology major, said that he uses his landline in his room to have long conservations with his parents to avoid wasting cell phone minutes. He said that he heard about the area code change before but did not take much notice to it.
The new dialing procedure will not affect the procedure for emergency calls. Three-digit phone numbers for social services such as 911, 211 and 411 will remain the same. Prices for calls within the area codes will remain the same and customers who have an existing number will not have to change their area code, according to the department.
Pat Meinweiser, manager of the University Information Technology Help Services, said that the help center has not received many calls about the new dialing procedure as of Thursday. But, she believes that the change might "cause a level of frustration" and that the "true tell-all" will occur when the change is officially implemented.
Meinweiser said that the department is equipped to handle calls about the new dialing procedure. Callers who call help services will automatically hear a recorded message that will offer instructions on how to properly call a local number.?
Meinweiser also said that many people might dial 11 digits, one plus the area code. But, that extra number is not necessary for local calls. Students having difficulty calling local numbers are asked to call UITS Help Center at 860-486-4357.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
edward novitski
posted 11/13/09 @ 8:59 PM EST
i think it stinks you have nothing better to do than but to cause confustion with the people of connecticut
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