Public Regulation Commission To Look Into Area Code Problems

SANTA FE, N.M.(AP) – State regulators are considering taking action against phone companies that aren’t ready to implement New Mexico’s new 575 area code.

The state Public Regulation Commission directed its staff today to file a case seeking enforcement action in response to complaints that customers in Las Cruces and Silver City were having problems getting calls dialed with the 575 prefix.

The case is scheduled to be considered during the PRC’s regular meeting tomorrow in Taos. PRC Commissioner Sandy Jones says phone companies have had over a year to prepare. Phone companies were required to update their equipment and begin customer education by October 7th, the start of the “permissive” dialing period.

That’s when either area code can be used for those areas being assigned the 575 code. Mandatory dialing is scheduled to begin October 5th, 2008.

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