By now, most people have cell phones, pagers, computer modems and multiple phone lines in their homes to make life a little easier. However, all these devices need area codes, and the state of Michigan is running out.

The solution is to open up another area code within the same geographic area. This geographic split provides relief by dividing the existing area code into one or more new areas.

The latest change will affect residents whose dividing line follows the northern boundaries of the Saugatuck, Hamilton, Hopkins, Wayland, Middleville, Hastings and Woodland rate center.

The area codes for these residents and residents south of the rate center will change from 616 to 269. Residents north of the rate center will retain their 616 area code.

Dan Kearney, supervisor for the engineer and tariff section at the Michigan Public Service Commission, said the area codes are exhausted because of the demand for phone numbers, which is at its highest peak.

“The demand has just exploded,” Kearney said. “Ten to 15 years ago there was only one phone line in a home, now they may have five to eight lines in one household.”

Karen Norcross, senior numbering resources specialist for the commission, said the state used to have four area codes, but by 2004 Michigan will have 14 different codes.

“It’s going gangbusters in the state of Michigan,” Norcross said, adding that all states are going through area-code relief.

Permissive dialing for the 269 area code starts July 13, 2002, while mandatory dialing starts Feb. 15, 2003.

Shawn Viecelli, a junior at Western Michigan University and a Kalamazoo resident, said the change won’t affect her much. She said she has family members outside the state who might have trouble reaching her, but usually she communicates through e-mail.

“E-mail is the best way for me to communicate with my family, because it’s cheaper,” Viecelli said.

However, some residents raised concerns, including confusion, in a public hearing held at the Kalamazoo Commissioners Chambers on April 24.

Some residents who currently have a 517 area code will soon have a new 989 code. Permissive dialing of this geographic split started April 7 and mandatory dialing starts Oct. 2.

Maps of the affected areas can be found at www.codefinder.com.