The Illinois Commerce Commission is planning a series of hearings to get public feedback on whether there should be yet another area code change.
The hearings have been called because Ameritech says it is about to run out of telephone numbers in the 847 area. It has filed a petition with the ICC to implement a plan that would help alleviate this problem.
The public hearings have been scheduled for:
Tuesday, Public Safety Building (second floor), 118 W. Cook St., Barrington; July 22 and 24, Murdock Institute, 5090 W. Harrison St., Chicago; July 29, Village Hall (second floor), 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights; and July 31, Skokie Public Library (public meeting room), 5115 Oakton St., Skokie.
Ameritech officials have said they are running out of telephone numbers in 847 calling areas and the number supply could be exhausted as early as next spring.
The relief plans suggested include implementing 11-digit dialing for local calls or splitting the 847 calling area and adding a new area code.
Consumers are urged to attend the public hearings and make their needs and opinions known.
