Dialling full area code

[Prudie]

http://www.dailymail....lephone-shake-up.html

Don't you think this is a lot of fuss about nothing? I always use my local code when dialling a local number anyway. It's not too much effort is it.

[Gromit]

If I have to dial which is very very rare, then I will do so from a mobile and you have to use the area code on mobiles.

Agreed. A lot of fuss about nowt.

[EvianBaby]

On the rare occasion I dial out a local number I just enter the last part of the number, not the code but most of the numbers I use more than once in a blue moon are in my phones address book anway so I don't actually dial anything.

[woofgang]

well but on a mobile you have to anyway.

[jno]

I don't have a mobile so I would think it was a diabolical liberty... if I knew anyone in Poole, which I don't.

[Old_Geezer]

On a mobile you probably use the directory most of the time and so it isn't an issue.

Have to say I don't see the point of insisting on dialling a local area code for a local number. It frees up nothing, generates zero new numbers. The local exchange is perfectly capable of adding the area code if it is missing.

It is only the fact that it is OFCOM (what wonderful body that ensures every change is going to be the last for the next million years) that seems to be asking for it that stops me wondering if this isn't to do with charging and local calls, rather than anything else.

[rojash]

The fact that you don't see the point, doesn't mean that there isn't one.
Perhaps this explanation from Ofcom will help you:

"At the moment, when making a local call it is not necessary to use the area code.
But this prevents Ofcom from allocating local numbers beginning with a 0 or 1 – such as 01202 075 362 or 01273 118 903. This is because if a local resident dialled 075 362 or 118 903, for example, omitting the 01202 code, the network would think they were dialling a mobile number (075) or directory enquiries number (118) rather than a local Bournemouth number.
However, using the code for local calls enables Ofcom to introduce many more numbers without this confusion."

[Old_Geezer]

The local exchange should be programmed to know 6 digits mean a local number. They won't get far equating 6 digits with a mobile or a 3 digit short code.