Why do we need length-delimited phone numbers at all? As long as they're reprogramming the switching systems, why not set things up to accept the (otherwise useless) # key as a terminator? That way 123# would be distinct from 1234#, etc. and the availability of numbers is no longer an issue.
Need an area code? Identify that with the * key. 212*123# would be distinct from your local 123#. By the same logic, we wouldn't be restricted to three-digit area codes anymore either.
Those keys have been on every keypad I've seen for thirty years and the phone companies never gave us a reason to use them before. And what about people with rotary phones? Screw 'em. Tell 'em to buy a $10 touch-tone unit when they pick up their new HDTV.
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Why do we need length-delimited phone numbers at all? As long as they're reprogramming the switching systems, why not set things up to accept the (otherwise useless) # key as a terminator? That way 123# would be distinct from 1234#, etc. and the availability of numbers is no longer an issue.
Need an area code? Identify that with the * key. 212*123# would be distinct from your local 123#. By the same logic, we wouldn't be restricted to three-digit area codes anymore either.
Those keys have been on every keypad I've seen for thirty years and the phone companies never gave us a reason to use them before. And what about people with rotary phones? Screw 'em. Tell 'em to buy a $10 touch-tone unit when they pick up their new HDTV.