Maine regulator opens probe into Verizon's phone numbering practices
More than a year after looking into ways to preserve Maine's statewide "207" area code, the Maine Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday opened an investigation into phone numbering practices at Verizon Wireless.
The regulator announced the investigation Tuesday morning into Verizon Wireless, a division of New York-based Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ).
The investigation comes less than three months after an April 2021 analysis concluded that the 207 area code could be exhausted by the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the commission.
Based on a review of number resource requests from Verizon from January 2020 through June 18, 2021, the PUC said it now has reason to question Verizon's forecasting process for numbering resources.
“Maine’s 207 area code is dwindling rapidly, and while there may be a time when Maine has to accept a new area code, it would be a shame for one company’s practices to hasten that time if it has no actual need for the numbers,” said PUC Chairman Philip L. Bartlett II. “Based on data we have received, Verizon may be using unrealistic forecasting goals, unnecessarily tying up available phone numbers.”
The investigation directs Verizon to provide the commission with detailed information including available phone numbers and percentage utilization in all rate centers and a detailed explanation of why forecasted growth is greater than historic growth.
Meanwhile, the PUC has also petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to direct the North American Numbering Plan Administrator to report on the technical, operational and cost requirements to implement number optimization measures in the 207 area code.
The PUC has also worked with carriers on mitigation strategies, which have resulted in the return of more than 600,000 numbers to the numbering pool from unused or slightly used blocks.
The three-member Maine Public Utilities Commission regulates electric, telephone, water and gas utilities to ensure that Maine citizens have access to safe and reliable utility service at rates that are just and reasonable for all ratepayers. Commission programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service, gas safety and Dig Safe.
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