Comcast wasn't bad enough

[Craig234]

So now, for my bay area county, their phone service has disabled dialing local numbers with 7 digits, and they have to include 1-area code. No reason given for the change.

While they're at it, their 'help' system has a mandatory modem reset before transferring the call to an agent, which would disconnect the call.

Brownie points: during a support chat, a message is sent from the rep saying they 'just want to share' information on another Comcast service. Ads in a support conversation.

Time to look for a new phone service.

 

[Craig234]

When I say no reason given, here's what they say when pressed:

"Its managements discretion but Existing telephone numbers, including current area code, will not change.

The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
You can still dial just three digits to reach 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, and 811. "

When told that doesn't answer the question:

"North American Numbering Plan assigns a new area code to a location where there is already an existing area code . So Comcast need to assign new numbers to an alternative area code if all combinations are taken in an area code overlay location.

In the event of an area code overlay:

Customers retain their current phone number and area code.

Customers requesting a new phone number may have their carrier assign a number with the new area code or any of the existing area codes.

Because more than one area code will now serve the same geographic area, customers will need to use 10-digit dialing (area code+seven digit phone number) for all calls, including calls within the same area code. "

 

[ctbaars]

That actually makes sense. In other works, all calls are now international calls.

 

[Craig234]

That actually makes sense. In other works, all calls are now international calls.

First, how does it 'make sense' to pick a design that permanently disables 7 digit calls in the same area code? Second, it's not international calls, which are 011-country code calls.

 

[ctbaars]

Well, there is no overlap internationally yet, so no need for the 011 yet. The 1 you dial is the country code. US/Canada is 1.

 

[local]

7 digit dialing? What is this the 90's? We don't have to dial 1 but have had 10 digit dialing for over 20 years now.

 

[Sgt. York]

Meh, seven digit dialing for local numbers around here. It wouldn't bother me a bit if I had to punch ten numbers instead. Aren't there far more important things to complain about? For instance, the toilet paper doesn't always tear where I want it to. Now that's important.

 

[LikeLinus]

North American Numbering Plan assigns a new area code to a location where there is already an existing area code.

Makes perfect sense. Our city just did this as well. Your area has, or is getting, a new area code. Because of that, you need to dial 10 digits for calls to work. Its because you could have overlapping phone numbers. Meaning, the same 7 digits in both area codes. Phone system can't read your mind and tell who you're actually calling. It needs the area code to tell it who to call.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Telco isn't smart enough to just default to same area code ...

Same thing came to chicago area in 2001. It was annoying....

 

[snoopy7548]

I can never understand why people buy phone service anymore. Having a dedicated landline that won't go out during a power outage isn't even a valid excuse for 99% of the country, and is probably the only reason why anyone would want a landline, as everyone has cell phones.

OP, get a Google Voice account, buy an Obi202, and enjoy free calling with a local number/area code for life.

 

[BoomerD]

We have to dial 10 digits here, even to call the house next door. Always (area code) + 7 digit number, but sometimes, you have to add 1, even within the same area code. (Landline calls)

 

[BoomerD]

I can never understand why people buy phone service anymore. Having a dedicated landline that won't go out during a power outage isn't even a valid excuse for 99% of the country, and is probably the only reason why anyone would want a landline, as everyone has cell phones.

OP, get a Google Voice account, buy an Obi202, and enjoy free calling with a local number/area code for life.

For many people, cell service isn't dependable. Where we're at now, it's marginal, but good enough that for the first time in 44 years of married life, we don't have a landline. Our last house, (in a much larger town) had such horrible cell service that we couldn't get along without a landline.

 

[Craig234]

Your area has, or is getting, a new area code. Because of that, you need to dial 10 digits for calls to work. Its because you could have overlapping phone numbers. Meaning, the same 7 digits in both area codes. Phone system can't read your mind and tell who you're actually calling. It needs the area code to tell it who to call

Terrible idea. Just change people to the new area code, and the 7 digit number is the one in YOUR area code.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Terrible idea. Just change people to the new area code, and the 7 digit number is the one in YOUR area code.

It may be a terrible idea, but that doesn`t change the fact that when all the different combinations of numbers are used up you need to create a new area code in order to be able to give new customers numbers and sadly that involves dialing a 10 digit number....

 

[sdifox]

First, how does it 'make sense' to pick a design that permanently disables 7 digit calls in the same area code? Second, it's not international calls, which are 011-country code calls.

Because you have exhausted the numbers available, thus requiring an overlay of area code. This is not new, just new to you. Or would you rather pay long distance fee calling people in the overlay?

Toronto did this in 2001

 

[sdifox]

That actually makes sense. In other works, all calls are now international calls.

... You have never called international have you?

 

[JEDIYoda]

as was stated earlier - you have never called international...

 

[ctbaars]

Dialing international is easy. And even easier with today's modern phones and contact lists.

 

[Dirigible]

So now, for my bay area county, their phone service has disabled dialing local numbers with 7 digits, and they have to include 1-area code. No reason given for the change.

While they're at it, their 'help' system has a mandatory modem reset before transferring the call to an agent, which would disconnect the call.

Brownie points: during a support chat, a message is sent from the rep saying they 'just want to share' information on another Comcast service. Ads in a support conversation.

Time to look for a new phone service.

It's probably not Comcast that's doing this. It's probably local government decision. When the government decides to have an area code overlay, phone companies like Comcast are required to follow the new rules. In this case, the new rules are you need to dial 1+ area code + 7 digits to make local calls.

Example for 510 area code, which just had this change effective June 22:
https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/510areacode/

Picked that because you mentioned you are in a bay area county, so this may be the exact thing you're complaining about. That would be the reason for the change, and it really doesn't have anything to do with a Comcast decision. They're doing what they're told. All other phone companies will have the same issues.

 

[Muadib]

Welcome to the late 90's. As much as I hate to say this, it's not Comcast's fault. Blame the FCC, and be thankful you only have to dial a 1! My state went to 10 digit dialing.

 

[Captante]

My state went to 10 digit dialing

Same here ... like 10 years ago!



Not feeling much sympathy.

 

[Craig234]

Because you have exhausted the numbers available, thus requiring an overlay of area code. This is not new, just new to you. Or would you rather pay long distance fee calling people in the overlay?

Toronto did this in 2001

When there are too many areas, split up the area and add a new area code.

Happens all the time. Keep 7 digit calling in the remaining area for the area code.

 

[Craig234]

Welcome to the late 90's. As much as I hate to say this, it's not Comcast's fault. Blame the FCC, and be thankful you only have to dial a 1! My state went to 10 digit dialing.

You're right, as first this looked like a Comcast thing but it's actually apparently not them - though they took over a half hour to find the info, running various 'system checks' to get the notice. This IS 10 digit dialing - 1 and area code and then 7 digits.

 

[Muadib]

You're right, as first this looked like a Comcast thing but it's actually apparently not them - though they took over a half hour to find the info, running various 'system checks' to get the notice. This IS 10 digit dialing - 1 and area code and then 7 digits.

Oh okay that makes more sense. That’s 11 digit dialing. I don’t have to dial the 1 within the state.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sdifox]

When there are too many areas, split up the area and add a new area code.

Happens all the time. Keep 7 digit calling in the remaining area for the area code.

10 digit is the norm these days. Blame cellphones.