NPSC EXAMINES 402 AREA CODE SHORTAGE

One of the issues the Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) needs to wrestle with this year is the shortage of numbers in the 402 area code. Recently, the NPSC was notified that the 402 area code would run out of numbers in the fourth quarter of the year 2000. (The 308 area code is not forecast to exhaust all numbers until 2031.) The telephone industry produced a recommendation, which offers four possible alternatives.

Proposal #1 - The Split Plans: These options would divide the current 402 area code as follows:

1. Along the Platte River boundary; or
2. Place the current Omaha local calling area into a separate area code; or
3. Combine the Omaha-Lincoln calling areas into a separate area code.

The advantages of a split are: Each geographic area created will have a single area code. Customers will continue to dial seven digits for local calls and it's easier for the consumer to understand. The biggest disadvantage of this option is that one-half of the consumers will have a new area code and will need to change stationery, advertising, etc.

Proposal #2 - The Overlay Option: This option directs that a second area code be added for new phone listings. Current numbers would remain unchanged but any new phone numbers would use the new area code. Once implemented, an overlay would:

1. Require 10-digit dialing throughout the entire 402 area code.
2. Foreclose the ability to split the area code in the future, and
3. Result in confusion requiring significant consumer education.

We'll keep you informed as decisions are made that affect you...our clients.

(Information obtained from article by Mike Hybl, Director of Government Relations, Great Plains Communications 12/99)

2000 STATE TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES

The 2000 Nebraska State Government Directory has gone to print -- thank you to everyone for their updates and clarifications. Each Agency will be receiving their directories in February. Included again in this year's Directory, are maps of the first and second floors of the State Capitol. Current information that will be printed in the State Government Directory is available on the Internet at http://www.state.ne.us. then select State Phone Directory. You will be receiving information from the Materiel Division related to the recycling of the 1999 State directories.

State Data Communications Network Acceptable Use Policy

If you have any questions about what is acceptable and unacceptable use of the SDCN which includes the Internet and electronic mail or any other networks accessed through a SDCN connection, please consult the State of Nebraska, State Data Communications Network Acceptable Use Policy that may be found at http://www.doc.state.ne.us/aup.htm.

PAGER BILLING CHANGES

In August 1999, the Division of Communications began converting Alltel's monthly pager billing to an automated process. This coincided with some rate reductions for monthly paging service. Pager numbers (for Alltel pagers only) will no longer appear on the bill. Below is an example of how these charges will appear on your Agency's monthly bill:

NVCN OPENS ANOTHER SITE

The Division of Communications has opened a new video conferencing room in McCook at Western Nebraska Community College, 1205 East 3rd. To schedule this site, please call 402/471-4130.

Don't Forget the Leap Year!

Paging service apparently has not been affected by the year 2000 transition, and most pagers are able to display the two-digit year with no problem. However, some pagers will not recognize February 29th as a valid date. Those pagers will display the date as March 1st instead of February 29th. If you have a pager that is not leap year compliant, you will have to set the correct date. For questions regarding paging service, contact Norma at (402) 471-6391.

CELLULAR MINI-DIRECTORIES

State of Nebraska cellular users who would like to have a mini-telephone directory from Alltel can do so by stopping at their local Alltel center and giving their cellular number as proof that they are a State employee. One directory per cellular number is allowed.

DIRECTORY LISTING CLOSING DATES:

The following commercial telephone directories close their listings in the near future. If you have any offices listed in the local directories for these towns, please review your listings and contact LaDonna at 402-471-4701 if you have any changes.