News from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Office of Public Information -- Phone: (405) 521-4180 FAX (405) 521-6945

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick K. Petree Reference: PUD33198-24

Some PBX Callers May Not Be Able to Reach 580 Area Code

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Beginning on April 1, telephone calls placed into the new 580 area code can not be completed if they are placed through a private branch exchange (PBX) system that has not been programmed to recognize the new area code, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission warned Tuesday (March 31).

PBX systems are used mostly by large companies, hotels, and other organizations that have many telephones. Outgoing calls are routed through the PBX system rather than directly through a telephone company central office.

Since the 580 area code was activated last November, calls to that area could be made by using either the 580 or the former 405 area code designation. Beginning April 1, callers to the 580 area code must use the 580 designation. PBX systems that don't recognize the 580 area code can't complete a call to that area code.

Persons unable to reach the 580 area code through a PBX system should contact their local telephone operator, explain the problem, and ask the operator to complete the call. They should also ask the administator of the PBX system to load the 580 area code into the PBX computer database.

Commission Chairman Ed Apple also has asked Oklahoma telephone customers to alert out-of-state organizations with whom they have contact about the need to include the 580 area code in their PBX systems.

Apple emphasized that the problem of accessing new area codes through PBX systems is not unique to Oklahoma.

"Last year, more than 20 new area codes were added throughout the nation, and it takes awhile for everyone to make adjustments to change. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to notify others with whom they have contact about correct area codes as well as correct telephone numbers," Apple said.

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