CPUC APPROVES AREA CODE SPLIT FOR 760,
CREATES NEW 442 AREA CODE

SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2008 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today responded to a telephone number shortage in the 760 area code by approving a geographic split to create a new 442 area code. The southern section of the region near San Diego is assigned the 442 area code, while the northern section retains the 760 area code.

The following areas in the existing 760 area code will comprise the new 442 area code: Borrego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, Julian, Oceanside, Pauma Valley, Pendleton, Ramona, San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista, and Warner Springs.

The CPUC approved an area code split for the 760 for several reasons. One significant consideration was the very large geographical coverage of the 760 area code. The 760 area code is one of the two largest area codes in California, covering much of the eastern half of the state. The 760 is predominantly in the south-east and includes rural, but also densely populated areas of metropolitan San Diego. Population centers are separated by vast stretches of uninhabited desert, with large swaths of vacant federally owned land also interspersed. Telephone customers would not typically commute from one area code to another. For example, residents of Independence in Inyo County, just south of Mono County, would need to cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains to reach the nearest different area code.

In contrast, the southwestern section of the 760 area code is part of metropolitan San Diego, with numerous area codes in close proximity. Residents could live in the 760 area code (Encinitas), work in the 619 area code (downtown San Diego), and shop in 858 area code (La Jolla area). Residents routinely dial close-by telephone numbers that require a different area code.

Consumers may begin dialing the new 442 area code six months from today, and will be required to do so one year from today.

In approving the area code split, the CPUC denied the request of the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) that the CPUC approve an all-services overlay. NANPA holds overall responsibility for the neutral administration of telephone numbers in California, and had determined that the 760 area code will run out of numbers in the third quarter of 2009, despite CPUC conservation measures that have extended the life of the 760 area code for several years.

Prior to making its decision today, three public meetings were held in the 760 are code and the CPUC also accepted comments from consumers via postal and electronic mail.

Of the more than 1,300 comments received by the CPUC, about 75 percent of those commenting preferred a split of some type, with only 25 percent in favor of an overlay.

"The CPUC had to act to increase the available telephone numbers to serve consumers. We listened to the residents and elected officials in the 760 area code. Most who provided input preferred an area code split rather than an overlay," said CPUC President Michael R. Peevey. "We appreciate the comments from the Imperial County residents to keep their county intact and we responded by moving the split line, thereby allowing Imperial County to stay united."

The proposal voted on by the CPUC is available at:

http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/AGENDA_DECISION/81570.htm.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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CPUC APPROVES AREA CODE SPLIT FOR 760, CREATES NEW 442 AREA CODE

CPUC APPROVES AREA CODE SPLIT FOR 760,
CREATES NEW 442 AREA CODE