by Brandon Call
Daily Lobo
About half the state won't be able to identify itself as the 505 after this weekend.
Parts of New Mexico will change to the 575 area code Sunday.
New Mexico has had one area code since the 10-digit phone system began in the 1940s.
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Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Los Alamos, Santa Fe and most cities in the northwest part of the state will retain the 505 area code.
The new area code was needed because the state is running out of phone numbers to issue, said Doris Cherry, spokeswoman for Public Regulations Commission.
"With New Mexicans having cell phones, home phone numbers and extra lines for the Internet, there aren't very many phone numbers left," she said. "With the state's growing population, the PRC had to make the change."
The PRC passed a 27-month implementation plan for the change, Cherry said.
Starting Sunday, callers can use 505 or 575 when dialing long distance.
A recording will inform callers of the change before the call is processed.
After Oct. 8, 2008, callers who use the 505 area code to reach a 575 number will get a recorded message informing them to hang up and use the new area code.
Beginning Jan. 11, 2009, phone companies can issue one seven-digit phone number to subscribers in both area codes.
Cities such as Espa§ola and other communities on the area code border will have both area codes.
Cherry said customers in those communities will not be billed for long-distance calls to numbers in their area with different area codes.
Student Michael Lawrence said he was unaware of the area code change.
"I just don't understand why they don't start issuing new numbers with the new code," he said. "Why do they have to bother so many people and businesses with the change? They could just issue 575 to new phone numbers."
Student Davida Hollis, of Espa§ola, said she is unsure which area code she will be assigned.
"I honestly have no clue what area code I'll have to use," she said. "My cell phone provider is based in Albuquerque. So, I'll keep the 505 area code on it. But to call home, I don't know if I am going to be charged long distance or not."
Student Nicole Laferriere, of Las Cruces, said the change will be an inconvenience.
"It's ridiculous really," she said. "Now, I am going to have to go through my contacts and change all my area codes. On top of that, I have to figure out who is from Albuquerque and who is from Las Cruces."
