The Big Number Change was a big update to the way we make phone calls in England. It happened in the mid-1990s because too many people were wanting to use the phone and we needed more phone numbers. The change was split into two parts, the first on April 16, 1995 and the second on this day April 22, 1995.
The update meant that new area codes were created and old ones were made bigger. We also started using a new way to make local calls. This new way meant we only needed to dial the phone number and didn't have to include the area code. This was possible because the country was divided into smaller areas, each with a unique four-digit code. For example, Birmingham's code changed from 021 to 0121.
The Big Number Change wasn't easy for everyone. We had to update the telephone networks and equipment, and some people had to get used to the new system. Some businesses had to change their advertising materials to show the new codes. Even though I was only 12, I remember this happening vividly.
Nowadays, we don't think about the Big Number Change or phone numbers in general as we mostly use mobile phones and they store the numbers for us. It's just a normal part of life in England. But it was an important update that made it easier for us to make calls and ensured that we had enough phone numbers. It also showed that we need to change and improve as technology advances. The changes they made then must have worked, as we haven't had to update the numbers since.
Did your country have to make any big changes like this as technology advanced? Let me know in the comments.
Comments