Wash. Utilities & Transportation Commission (WUTC) postponed for ...

or split to relive impending depletion of Idaho’s sole 208 code. WUTC was to have implemented new 564 overlay atop current 360, 206, 425 and 253 codes Oct. 20. However, agency said declining demand for new numbers and more efficient allocation of number supply meant need for overlay with mandatory 10-digit local dialing could be put off until at least fall of 2002, with decision on implementation put off until next spring. WUTC staff said that by end of year, it expected more unneeded numbers would have been returned to pool than new numbers issued. Idaho PUC directed staff to monitor phone number usage and file monthly reports. It also asked for public comments by Sept. 13 on 3 different options to relieve statewide 208 code, including all- service overlay, which would require 10-digit local dialing across entire state, and 2 different 2-way geographic splits. Both split plans would put metro Boise area and rest of southwestern corner of state into separate area code. Difference in split plans is that one would include many more communities east of Boise in split-off area. PUC also asked which area should keep 208 designation and whether public would support service- or technology-specific overlays if FCC in its current review of issue decided to permit them.