Technology issues take center stage in Springfield

        Senate Bill 678, which was recently signed into law, could lead to much needed cable competition in Illinois. Under the new law, cable companies will no longer have the exclusive right to provide service in a municipality, which forced cable subscribers to remain with the single provider system, or to rely on traditional antennas or a satellite system. The legislation will allow Internet providers and others to offer services in municipalities in an effort to increase competition, while also protecting the rights of municipalities and protecting public education and government channels.

        “At inception, this was a very controversial bill,” said Hultgren. “However, through a lot of hard work on the Senate Environment and Energy Committee and the House Telecommunications Committee, we were able to craft a bill that was agreed to by most of the parties involved, and should provide consumers with relief from high cable prices by allowing for competition in Illinois municipalities.”

        Additionally, SB 678 extends telecommunications regulations until 2009. By extending the date for two more years, consumers will continue to receive a number of protections offered by the original law, which was passed in 2001.

        Hultgren also explained that local residents should be prepared to receive a second area code this fall. According to the Illinois Commerce Commission, the 331 area code will “overlay” the existing territory in order to add additional telephone numbers. The 630 area code officially reached “exhaust” in late June.

        “With the new area code going into effect on October 7, it’s important for local residents to remember that all telephone calls made beginning on that date must be dialed with a one plus the area code,” said Hultgren. “Calls that are considered to be ‘local’ will still be ‘local’ even though you will be required to dial the one plus the area code.”

        Hultgren pointed out that legislators have no authority over the decision to add area codes. “Area code overlays are determined by an independent organization. I know that the proliferation of area codes can be frustrating for consumers, but it is one of the side effects of the explosion in cell phones and other telecommunications devices – there just aren’t enough numbers to go around without increasing area codes.”

        The 630 area code serves the western suburbs, including Aurora, Batavia, Elmhurst, Geneva, Hinsdale, Itasca, Lemont, Naperville, Oswego, Wheaton, and Winfield.

        For more information on the new area code, visit www.senatorhultgren.com.