pc@bellcore.bellcore.com (10/02/89)
Noticed a few anomalies in that wonderful publication, the Telephone Area Code Directory, TR-EOP-000093 from Bellcore, the latest edition that I have being the July, 1988 one. For instance, every point in Alaska except one is in the 907 area code (as one might expect). Hyder, AK is *only* reachable via 604 (BC). Why should this be? Probably, if I found that place on a map, it would be adjacent to the BC border, and presumably, close to a Canadian switch of some description. However, why can't the routing tables reflect this reality and allow us to use 907? Coudn't there be a "logical foreign exchange" within a host area code? Or would that be too much work for such a small community? This is also true of: Zones 6-8 in Wheeling, VW (Ohio area code). Some miles on the Alaska highway, BC (AB area code). Quite a few places in SK (AB area code). Further strangeness: For Nevada and Yukon Terr, every point is listed out explicitly with the area code, rather than the summary "All Points, area code...". Implication being that there were points in NV that had a UT/CA/AZ/OR area code, but are now genuine 702 area code, but that Bellcore has forgotten to update the directory appropriately? Peter Clitherow [Moderator's Note: I think the reasoning for listing out all dialable cities in Nevada and Yukon Territory is that if anything, those two areas are less likely to be dialable than most other states or provinces. For example, in Nevada, there are still a large number of toll stations -- places which cannot be dialed and must be called through the operator. Now, there are a few places like this in almost every state or province, but in general we can dial direct wherever we want. In Nevada and Yukon, in general we *cannot* dial a large number of small localities. I think in editing the Area Code Directory, for lack of space to list every single last point, the rule of thumb was if almost everywhere is dialable, and there is one area code only, then note 'all points, area such and such'. If quite a few places are not dialable, then list a selection of those that are, even if it is only one area. PT]