Utilities Board investigates the allocation of phone numbers

The Iowa Utilities Board has launched an investigation into how to better allocate phone numbers in the state. The Board has already split the former 5-1-5 area code due to a lack of numbers, and is in the process of doing the same for the 3-1-9 area code. Board spokesman Rob Hillesland says numbers are currently given out in large blocks.Companies starting service in a new area are given a block of 10-thousand numbers, and many of the numbers are not used. Hillesland says the board will explore ways to better allocate the numbers.Hillesland says the changes won’t effect the decision on splitting the 3-1-9 area code.The Utilities Board hasn’t set a timetable for making a decision on number allocation. Hillesland says there are some proposed federal changes that could figure into any action taken at the state level.