Focal's number pool hopes drown

摘要

After a successful number pooling trial in Illinois, Focal Communications fancied moving the show to California, but incumbents Pacific Bell and GTE have refused to play any part in the production. In mid-November, the California Public Utilities Commission requested comments and suggestions from industry leaders con- cerning how to increase the available numbers in the state. California has 24 area codes—the highest number of any state—yet 20 of the area codes are near depletion.