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Make the zip code (AKA Pin code in some countries) part of phone numbers.
e.g. A phone number in Zip code 75030 would be
75030-1234
[link]
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So for a part of London, it might be WC1V-5555. |
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If you're going to start putting letters in phone numbers, you may as well just use DNS. |
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US Zip+4 already exists as a location indicator, but doesn't break down into individual buildings, let alone individual residences. Zip+6 at least would be needed. And this seems especially inappropriate as the vast majority of new phone numbers don't have a fixed geographical location at this point. |
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I think this will work only for fixed landlines. Zip + 6 seems ok. For London, this may not work. |
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Telephone numbers were developed because it was all that the original PSTN technology could cope with. |
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Geographically-tied references like telephone numbers, and indeed numeric routing codes for "top level" directories are on their way out so this is a dead issue. Yes, IP addresses and IMEI/IMSI type codes will remain at a system level; but punching in a 12-digit number when you want to communicate is fading into history. |
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Indeed, [8th], the notion of using numbers to direct communication to an individual is ludicrous. |
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Do wha? Surely if you don't use an area code, it just gives
you the local number? |
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Nope. It just tells you that the call cannot be placed as dialed, please check the number and try again. |
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That's annoying. In the UK, a 6-digit number is usually
enough to connect you locally (used to be 3 digits in my
village). |
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EDIT: When I say "my village", I mean "the village I live in"
not "the village I own". The village I own uses a 2-digit local
number ("Hello? Glenchie Bottom two-seven?"). |
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It wasn't all that long ago when my town's exchange had to start using 7 digits instead of 4. That was just... (thinks back...) ok, yeah, I guess it's been a while. (It was after I left for college, though.) It was a pre-req for getting 911 service. |
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But zip codes? My wife and I like having separate phone numbers, and I don't think we'd want to be in separate zip codes. |
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[spidermother] I think you just called [8th_of_7] an
individual. Them's fighting words. |
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(Puts up puny Earthling fists. Changes mind and valiantly hides in closet.) |
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<Inflates large paper bag> |
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<sneaks up to [spidermother]'s closet> |
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Are you implying that I can't fight my way out of a paper bag, and need to come out of the closet? |
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The former, yes. The latter, no. Stay where you are. The scrap wood and old tyres piled against the door are just starting to catch. |
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"You smell that ? YOU SMELL THAT ?" |
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(Holds [21 Quest's] hand for comfort. Drops it and mumbles something about "that local sporting team".) |
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So if I ever give someone my phone number I'm now also giving them my address down to a fairly small area? No thanks. |
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Canada 411 lets you get an exact address from just a phone number, and then google earth street view lets folks see your yard and neighbourhood. |
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"... and a happy goldfish bowl to you all." |
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//and a happy goldfish bowl to you all//
yes, but does it move? |
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