The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) voted Thursday to review its decision to split the 814 area-code region and assign the 582 area code to our region.
It means that Erie County and the rest of northwestern Pennsylvania might keep the 814 area code.
Commissioners voted to take another look at their decision after receiving more than 40 petitions signed by more than 14,000 individuals, utilities, businesses, and organizations speaking out against the split. Verizon was one of those businesses that really made a difference in the reexamination. Verizon is in favor of an overlay. (Businesses and individuals who already have an 814 phone number could keep it, but new phone numbers would eventually receive ones starting with 582.)
The PUC held public hearings last year, but it didn't get much feedback. Only six people attended the initial public hearing in Erie on April 23. Since there's feedback now, it will host more public hearings and technical conferences. The time and location of those meetings has yet to be determined, though the commission said in a news release they will be held "throughout the 814 area code."
Let me pose one question. Did the PUC not do a good job publicizing the public hearings or were we not paying attention? I understand that many individuals don't get outraged until something actually happens to them. But shouldn't Verizon and Manufacturer & Business Association have known about last year's hearing?
I'm frustrated. I don't know where to place the blame, but I think it's on all of us. The PUC for not notifying the public better. Local businesses and organizations for not speaking up when this suggestion first happened. And the citizens in the region for not paying attention. This entire issue could have been much better handled and our area's outrage could have been avoided.
With that said, YAY for 814 possibly staying!
1 comments:
the association testified at last year's hearing...as did maybe four other individuals. the problem, as is so often the case, was that the COMMUNITY was not concerned with the issue or a split until a decision was made.
Post a Comment