idb
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irrelevant wrote on Dec 7 th, 2009 at 3:32pm: idb wrote on Dec 7 th, 2009 at 3:08am: catj wrote on Dec 6 th, 2009 at 11:20pm: The trick in the allocation of area codes is that a single code needs to cover a fairly wide geographical area. It would be crazy for one city to be divided up by multiple codes. The US has that nightmare scenario in place. I'm far from convinced that the system here is such a nightmare. Within a thirty or so mile radius of where I lived in the UK, the area codes 01892, 01622, 01634, 01732, 01689, 020, 01322 and 01959 were in use, possibly along with others (memory has faded a little). This really is no different to say the situation in New York city with its five area codes serving a population of eight or so million. At least the system here is consistent and understandable with fixed-length area codes and a standard format. Google just told me: New York — Area Code: 212, 315, 347, 516, 518, 585, 607, 631, 646, 716, 718, 845, 914, 917 So, I'd think that it's a pretty good bet that anybody living there is almost certain to have to dial the full 1-nnn-nnn-nnnn for virtually every number they need to call. New York State (pop 20m, area around 60% the size of the UK) does indeed have 14 area codes, covering POTS, cellular and VOIP. New York City, pop 8m, area around 75% the size of Greater London) has 5 area codes, again covering various types of numbering. I'm pretty sure that Greater London has more than five area codes. Generally, there are three dialing patterns in the US - 7D, 10D and 1+10D, depending on overlays, splits and what is defined as a local call area. I maintain that this is extremely straightforward - the first few pages of a typical telephone directory will make it crystal clear what one needs to dial, and what is considered a 'local' call, which is important as local calls from a residential line are often free. Intercept messages may, depending on location, actually tell you what to do if you get it wrong.
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