1.   Both geographic splits and geographic overlays, the two options currently allowed under federal regulation, have raised the ire of residential and business customers.

2.   Cooper said that although the industry is conducting public hearings to gather consumer comments on geographic splits and overlays, Pacific Bell wanted to hold its own survey.

3.   Despite the sharp disagreement, all parties had agreed ahead of time on the shape of the area codes if a geographic split was adopted.

4.   Pacific Bell favors an overlap system citing its convenience for customers, while its competitors such as MCI Communications Inc. and Sprint Inc. prefer a geographic split.

5.   PUC uses geographic splits for area code relief, and has begun using other measures to conserve and distribute area codes more efficiently.

6.   Tony DiTirro, MCI regulatory manager, said he believes customers would prefer a geographic split because it allows them to identify the region they are calling.

7.   Two-thirds of the participants said they preferred a geographic split when contacted.

8.   Serbs fear that a geographic split would leave them militarily vulnerable, making it easier for NATO to grab more war crimes suspects, including Karadzic.