5. Public Meetings and Comments

Section 7931(e)(2) requires NANPA and Commission staff to conduct at least one meeting for representatives of local jurisdictions and three public meetings within nine months from when NANPA informs the Commission of the need for an area code change. The purpose of the meetings is to inform the local representatives and the public about the area code change options and provide a forum for them to voice their opinions concerning the proposed options.

With NANPA's assistance, the CD staff conducted a meeting with the industry on January 14, 2007, via conference call, to discuss the relief options. The industry reached a unanimous consensus to recommend the overlay.

On October 22, 2007, a meeting with representatives of local jurisdictions was held in Glendale, California. Public participation meetings were held in the Cities of Burbank (October 22, 2007), Calabasas (October 23, 2007), San Fernando (October 23, 2007) and Van Nuys (October 24, 2007). At the meetings, attendees were given the option of indicating their preferences by commenting orally or in writing using comment forms. In addition, the Commission received input via e-mail and the Commission's web site. Overall, the Commission received 741 statements of preferences and comments of which 442 supported the overlay, 199 favored a geographic split and 100 did not indicate a preference.

On November 29, 2007, another industry relief meeting was held to discuss the results of the above meetings and comments. The industry consensus was to recommend the overlay.