ALBANY -- An administrative law judge has recommended that an overlay is the fairest solution for 315 area code relief, rather than the proposed geographic splits.

According to the New York State Public Service Commission, “an overlay is when a new area code is superimposed on the existing region with the result of two area codes serving the same region. With an overlay, calls would not be completed without first dialing 1, plus the 3-digit area code, and then the 7-digit number, often times referred to as 11-digit dialing.”

The PSC goes on to say that 5 of 14 area codes in New York State already use 11-digit dialing for all calls, particularly in the New York City region.

If approved, all existing telephone customers in the region would keep their current 10-digit phone numbers. Any new numbers would be assigned to the new area code.

The PSC is seeking comment from the public about the overlay recommendation. Comments may be submitted through the commission's ‘opinion line’ at 1-800-335-2120 or at www.AskPSC.com. When leaving a comment, you are asked to refer to "Case 07-C-1486 - 315 Area Code."

The PSC can approve, modify, or reject the judge’s recommendations.