517/989 area code change in final stage
The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved a change in the 517 area code,
which affects the Mount Pleasant area.
NeuStar Inc., the North American Numbering Plan Administrator, proposed the plan
that was approved Friday, which will divide the current 517 area code geographically.
“An application had been filed with the commission requesting that the commission
approve the plan that had been submitted to it,” said MPSC Executive Secretary
Diane Dolley.
Prior to the MPSC’s takeover, only NANPA had authority to change area codes.
“They are the ones who have been historically responsible for area codes,”
Dolley said.
The amendment to the Michigan Telecommunication Act giving the commission authority
to change area codes was signed in July.
“The commission now has the authority to approve area-code changes for the
state of Michigan,” Dolley said.
Lansing and areas south of the city will maintain the 517 area code, she said.
The northern half of the current 517 area code will acquire the new area code
989, which includes Mount Pleasant.
“There’s several other proposals on the board right now,” she said.
“NeuStar is also considering changes to the 810, 734 and 248 (areas).”
Dolley said these areas are also facing number shortages.
NANPA monitors areas codes to ensure enough numbers are available.
“Running out of numbers has to do with the proliferation of other telecommunications
equipment that require telephone numbers,” Dolley said.
Computers, faxes and second lines contribute to the shortages, she said.
“The 517 area is going to be split,” Dolley said.
The commission held a public hearing in August where citizens could voice concerns
or thoughts on the change.
“Many of them were in the business community and the prevailing thought was
that it needs to be done based on the information provided to them,” she
said.
Permissive dialing, which means a person could reach the party they’re dialing
using the 517 area code, starts Jan. 1, 2001 and runs until July 1, 2001. After
July 1, 2001 the 989 area code must be used.
