As a result of current practices, there may be as many as 1.5 to 3 million unused numbers in the 603 area code. Furthermore, assigned NXXs may contain at least as many unused numbers because competitive providers obtain NXXs in multiple if not all New Hampshire exchanges and serve far fewer customers. Bell Atlantic, the Regional Bell Operating Company, serves many customers but provides multiple NXXs per community. Thus, a large quantity of unused numbers within untainted number blocks exists for use in number conservation efforts and when number pooling becomes technically feasible in the near future. Introducing new area codes causes significant disruption and expenses to consumers.
Businesses incur high costs to change company letterhead, documents, vehicles, and advertisements.
All citizens undergo a period of adjustment. Conversely, industry members, to whom the FCC has given authority to establish conservation measures, may have reason to use the resources anti-competitively. Some industry members are already well-supplied with unused numbers and will strive to keep that advantage. For that reason, it is unproductive to tie the state commission's hands for a period of time during which the industry is to reach consensus on rationing measures. Consumers will be better served by state initiated action, at least until national efforts are established.