Is it really that hard for the U.S. to switch the number of digits in their telephone numbers? In Australia around 5 years ago all fixed lines went from being 6-7 digits to being 8 digits long, and most of the area codes got reassigned (we went from 100 odd area codes to about 5). If we can do it, why can't Americans? Surely we can't have better telephone switches than they do? -- SJK
Yes. In the US we have an enormous amount of infrastructure built up around 10-digit numbers, especially in computer programs that processes phonecalls. Maybe I just think about this because it would affect me (I create phone bills using data from PBXs or telcos). But the big deal is we really don't NEED to add digits, if we handled the numbers we're handing out now properly. There are plenty of phone numbers out there assigned in monster blocks of 10,000 when only a few hundred are used - but when the phone companies "run out" and have to add area codes or eventually add digits they blame it on consumers with faxes, modems and cellphones so we'll buy off on the expense of having to convert stationary, old phone equipment, etc. --Justfred
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