MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Camp Pendleton Communications and Information Systems department would like to inform readers about the new area code changes and how it will affect Camp Pendleton.
Why is there an area code change?
It is not an area code change but an “overlay.” An overlay is the addition of another area code (in this case 442) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (760). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code. The reason that the California Public Utilities Commission decided to adopt a geographic split was to address the projected shortage of available telephone numbers in the 760 area code.
How will it affect Camp Pendleton?
At midnight, Oct. 24, Camp Pendleton customers using the government’s telecommunications network will be required to dial 99+1+ten digits to make local “off base” calls. Communications and Information Systems customers currently utilize the exact same dialing protocol when placing a long distance phone call. Customers using the Defense Switched Network or placing an “on base” call will continue to use the same dialing protocol as before.
What difference will it make for automated systems that use landline numbers?
Alarm/security services and other government or customer owned equipment (dial-up modems/facsimile) currently located on Camp Pendleton and programmed to dial 99+seven digits must be updated or reprogrammed to dial 99+1+ten digit number for all off base calls in the 760/442 area code. We would encourage our customers to identify those systems they own that do have and utilize a programmable modem to determine the need for reprogramming. Reprogramming is not required if these systems are dialing a number with a Camp Pendleton prefix of: 719 (new but not released), 725, or 763.
How soon did the base start the preparations for the change and what kind of measures did Camp Pendleton (communications department) take to prevent any problems that might come up?
We have known the CPUC was looking into a solution to increase the 760 area code number pool for quite some time but we were not sure if they intended to geographically split the 760 area code or adapt an overlay. In October of 2008, the CPUC approved of the overlay and published a plan for full implementation by Oct. 24, 2009. CIS personnel have performed superbly in programming and testing the government telecommunications switch network to accommodate the overlay and meet the deadline. Currently permissive 99+1+ten digit dialing is available aboard Camp Pendleton and we encourage all of our customers to start using it.
What could be the biggest impact of the area code change within work or working systems?
Not really an impact but an adjustment. Customers will need to change their dialing habits to the 1+10 digit dialing protocol but we feel customers will quickly adapt. As long as our customers are planning for the overlay and understand what their responsibilities are to keep their systems and equipment operational there shouldn’t be an impact.
Will there be any confusion within area codes?
Camp Pendleton will retain the 760 area code so as far as our customers using government telecommunications services are concerned, we don’t anticipate any confusion.
Did something like this happened in the past?
This is the first time CIS has dealt with this type of challenge. A complete area code change, yes, but never an overlay. Communications notify our customers well in advance of the changes that will occur and provide them the information they need to assist in understanding this transition. Technically speaking there is a significant difference in how the telephone switch is programmed for an overlay. It is a very complex and time consuming process but ensuring that our customers have uninterrupted service is CIS’s mission.