Area code discussion comes to Mesilla

Discussion of the new 575 area code that’s coming to New Mexico reaches Doña Ana County on Wednesday.

The Public Regulation Commission will hold two public meetings in Mesilla on that day, both at the town hall, 2231 Avenida de Mesilla. The first is from 10 a.m. to noon, and the second is from 6-8 p.m.

Two proposals are being considered for implementation in the next two years: Either all new telephone numbers in the state will have the 575 area code, or the PRC will split the state, with one area including Southern and Eastern New Mexico and the other including the central and northwestern parts of the state.

If the second option is selected, the PRC must decide which area will have to switch to the new area code. The cost of changing materials such as letterhead and business cards has caused quite a controversy about which portion of the state will keep the 505 area code.

The PRC is set to make a decision in October.

Following the Mesilla meetings, there will be public meetings in Silver City on Thursday, Albuquerque on Friday and Rio Rancho on Monday.

For more information, visit www.nm575.info, where you can also submit comments on the proposals.