- “Chicago's new 872 area code brings much reprogramming for cell phone users” says the Chicago Tribune.
- I am recovering from heart palpitations brought on by one of my clients scooting off-shore to some 289 Area code. Bahamas? Channel Islands? Nope. Same boring old Toronto.
- If you ask BELL if they would like more money they always reply “Yes”. I know, because right now they just can’t get enough of mine.
- Sixty percent of the organizations in my contacts data base have a fax number – and I haven’t unpacked my fax machine since my move over two years ago.
- Toss all that in the microwave and what have you got?
A potential revenue-generating scheme that would free up numbers in the original area code across {Your favorite city here} for use by those desperate enough to pay a premium.
Companies that relinquish their fax number get a credit in cash, or double the amount offset off their phone bill (saves BELL the cost of issuing a cheque).
Lawyers and real estate folks are exempt from this deal on two counts: (1) in my mind they both make way too much money off innocent folks and (2) they appear to be unable to function without generating reams of graphically-challenged text material.
Companies that want a new service in the original area code will pay a premium; they already spent money on vanity plates for their cars. We know that they will pay a premium.
And me?
For dreaming up this idea I’ll be content with one percent of the gross revenue, thanks.
And you?
- Check your own contacts database.
- What percentage of your contacts have a fax number?
- And when was the last time you faxed them anything?
(Update Wed April 14 2010: CRTC adds a ‘365’ area code to the burgeoning ’burbs)
