my firm uses a 4 digit dial plan and we're at the point where this needs to be expanded. E.164 has already been shot down as an option, unfortunately. Is there any sort of matrix on what expanding to 5, 6 and 7 digit dial plans offer as number possibilities or is that dependent on how the firm is setup? We have 20+ offices that have unique 4 digit extensions. Our biggest location is starting to run out of assignable numbers due to clashes with other offices and we're also running out of available ranges as a whole to give to any new office.
Our approach was to have a steering digit (1) followed by a region code (01, 02, 03) and then the current 4 digit number. Folks within regions or CM clusters would still dial 4 digits, but have to use the 7 digit to reach another region. We have 3 different CM clusters..fyi. This would allow our biggest location to be able to start assigning extensions the other regions utilize. 6 digits causes an issue as we don't have steering digits that don't wind up clashing with a range. 10-xxx, 11-xxx, 12-xxx would work, but 13-xxxx clashes with a current 13xx range. I'm trying to sort out the reasoning why 5 digits doesn't work. Seems like it doesn't buy anything.
Our approach was to have a steering digit (1) followed by a region code (01, 02, 03) and then the current 4 digit number. Folks within regions or CM clusters would still dial 4 digits, but have to use the 7 digit to reach another region. We have 3 different CM clusters..fyi. This would allow our biggest location to be able to start assigning extensions the other regions utilize. 6 digits causes an issue as we don't have steering digits that don't wind up clashing with a range. 10-xxx, 11-xxx, 12-xxx would work, but 13-xxxx clashes with a current 13xx range. I'm trying to sort out the reasoning why 5 digits doesn't work. Seems like it doesn't buy anything.