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New Hampshire
Distant Dome: 603 Hesteria in Legislature This Week – InDepthNH.org
By GARRY RAYNO, Distant Dome
Gov. Chris Sununu appeared in “information ads” touting The 603 and you see many people post in FaceBook about returning to the 603 from distant places.
You could almost believe The 603 was akin to The Old Man of the Mountain, the New Hampshire Presidential Primary or “Live Free or Die,” instead of an area code for making telephone calls.
More similar to The Old Man, The 603 will someday be but one of the area codes when people call into New Hampshire either on a landline or a cell phone or IPad or computer or voice-over-internet protocols, etc.
Despite the numerous devices, or because of the numerous devices, The 603 is running out of numeric combinations for the remaining seven numbers for phones or whatever is assigned a number.
Ideally, there are 7.7 million seven digit numbers that could be available for use, far more than the 1.4 million residents of the state.
But it is much more complicated than simple numbers. Blocks of numbers are reserved by various providers and many businesses, organizations and government entities have far more than just one number to call.
The providers are reluctant to surrender the numbers they can assign to customers as you can imagine and how many people have more than one phone.
When I worked for a newspaper, I had two company cell phones, my own, a company pager, and my landlines at home and at work. That meant people had six phone numbers by which they could reach me.
If everyone had that many numbers attached, The 603 would be only one of the state’s two area codes with 8.4 million numbers.
New Hampshire is one of a little more than a dozen states that have had the one area code since its inception in 1947. Most other one-code states are facing similar issues.
The exhaustion of numbers accelerated with the explosion of cellphones and voiceover internet protocols and the state has already tried to blunt the impact beginning in 2000 and then again in 2013.
Maine faced a similar problem and would hit its limit by 2025 but the Pine Tree State’s legislature acted to preserve its single area code.
Last fall, the state announced it would extend The 207 until 2032 to 2034, according to the North American Number Plan Administrator.
“Our staff has looked at several practices that have impacted the rate at which our numbers were being tied up, including forecasting and block request practices, curbing the use of numbering resources by robocalls, and encouraging providers to work collaboratively,” said Maine Public Utility Commission Chair Phillip Barlett said. “We believe that our continued efforts to ensure numbers are used in the most efficient manner possible could extend the life of Maine’s single area code out until the 2050s.”
In New Hampshire, the area code is not expected to max out for three or four years, so the governor and Legislature have both jumped into the fray to save The 603.
Last fall, Sununu issued an executive order titled “Don’t Overload the Code” that stated “the 603 Area Code is an iconic symbol of New Hampshire, has come to both signify and symbolize residents and businesses being located in or originating from New Hampshire, and has become part of the New Hampshire identity, and the implementation of a second area code is likely to have significant cultural and economic consequences for residents and businesses located in-state.”
The order required the Department of Energy to open a proceeding to investigate strategies including reclaiming unused numbers from providers, to extend the single area code as long as possible.
He also implemented a study of business practices related to its use of telephone numbers and the potential cost and significance of a second area code for the state.
This year’s legislature has Senate Bill 603 — get it —sponsored by Senate President Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, and introduced at the request of the governor, which would give the Department of Energy and the Public Utilities Commission authority to promote and adopt telephone number conservation measures to maximize the life of the state’s single area code.
Speaking in favor of his bill, Bradley spoke of The 603 being part of the state’s brand and identity, and any change would impact that brand in a negative way by diluting its impact.
The Senate amended the bill to include many of the measures done by Maine to extend the lifetime of The 207.
During the public hearing, the PUC expressed concern that some conservation measures could impact rural areas negatively but not the resource-draining areas of Manchester, Portsmouth, Concord, Nashua and Keene.
The committee was also told any new area code would be an overlay, which means if you have a 603 area code, you will retain it, but any new telephone number will have a new area code.
At the hearing, Chris Rand of the NH Telephone Association, stressed that rural carriers historically have not been a significant source of numbering problems due to their limited number blocks and they need to be protected under the proposed changes.
The bill would allow the Department of Energy to hire a consultant who would cost between $100,000 and $300,000.
The Senate passed SB 603 on a voice vote, surprising it was not a 24-0 roll call, and was sent to the House on March 21 and was sent to the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee for a public hearing and review.
The House committee kept the bill largely intact, but added a reduction in the state’s Communications tax from 7 to 6.5 percent without any indication how much impact that would have.
The bill may be headed to the House Ways and Means Committee to determine the fiscal impact of the reduction in the tax that has produced diminishing returns as people move from landlines to cell phones and other devices.
Thursday SB 603 comes before the House with an ought-to-pass-with-amendment recommendation from the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee, but with a minority report recommending killing the bill.
The vote to recommend passing the bill was 10-9, so it is likely to garner some debate on the House floor.
The minority report is written by Rep. and former Dartmouth computer science professor, Tom Cormen, D-Lebanon, who notes the bill has two problems, no known fiscal impact from the reduction in the Communications Tax and it is simply putting off the inevitable.
“Whether or not we attempt to extend the life of the 603 area code, we will run out of phone numbers in the 603 area code sometime in the next few years,” Cormen writes in the minority report. “The bottom line is that this bill spends money just to kick the can down the road.”
When the Old Man fell and turned into dust, the state was shocked, in disbelief, and truly lost a symbol of its heritage dating back to at least Daniel Webster who said “Men hang out their signs indicative of their respective trades; shoe makers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster watch, and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth; but up in the Mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men.”
No one’s manhood or womanhood disappeared when the Old Man fell off the face of Cannon Mountain, and it should not when The 603 eventually is joined by a little brother or sister.
Did the state’s brand just begin in 1947, or was The Granite State known for its majestic mountains, crystal clear lakes, Presidential Primary, maple sugar, fall foliage, skiing, Live Free or Die, business friendly atmosphere, no income or sales tax and making “real men” before The 603 was established?
Maybe the legislature ought to be more concerned about hungry kids, homelessness, and the growing tyranny of the minority in this state and country, rather than if The 603 is the state’s only area code.
Garry Rayno may be reached at garry.rayno@yahoo.com.
New England Travel
These hikes are full of history, wildlife, and gorgeous views.
Hiking trails are full of history, beauty, and wildlife, but with so many options, it can be hard to choose your next path.
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Car camping is trending this season, according to Hipcamp
The following are 12 great hikes recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), Mass Audubon North Shore, Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC), and the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Massachusetts
Skyline Loop Trail in Blue Hills Reservation in Milton
The 2.64-mile Skyline Loop Trail in the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton gives hikers a taste of the longer, nine-mile Skyline Trail. The loop takes hikers over five hills, including Hancock Hill, which was once the farm of John Hancock of Declaration of Independence fame and the first independent governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
There is a tower built by the Civilian Corp of Engineers during the Great Depression, and hikers can look out over Boston and the Harbor Islands
Cedar Swamp Trail in Douglas State Forest in Douglas
As hikers experience the Cedar Swamp Trail, a .5-mile hike, the environment changes from a typical New England mixed hardwood forest into a cedar swamp as Atlantic white cedar and hemlock trees replace oak, maple, birch, beech, and ash.
“The thick growth of these evergreens allows little light to reach the forest floor,” according to DCR. “Keep an eye out for the unique foliage native to the swamp like sphagnum or ‘peat’ moss, skunk cabbage and cinnamon ferns, as well as the wildlife that calls the swamp home.”
Robert Frost Trail in Mount Holyoke Range State Park in Amherst
Fans of Robert Frost can experience nature through the writer’s eyes on this 4-mile hike on the Robert Frost Trail that honors the iconic poet’s Massachusetts connection. Frost spent part of his life in Massachusetts, teaching English at nearby Amherst College.
Hikers can look for a hidden pool and a fork in the road while exploring the interpretive trail, DCR noted, which is an easy to moderate hike.
Read more about these state park hikes: 3 beautiful hikes at Massachusetts State Parks
Rockery Trail at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield
For a unique, family-friendly hike involving rocks, head to the Rockery Trail at Ispwich River Wildlife Sanctuary, according to the Mass Audubon North Shore.
The 1/2-mile trail, the most popular hike at the sanctuary, includes boardwalks and features a rockery built by Thomas Emerson Proctor in 1905. You can climb the large stone structure and also walk through the little tunnel underneath. The wide easy trail is great for all ages.
Professor Chandler’s Long Walk at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary in Rowley
Hikers enjoy panoramic views at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, which includes the scenic Professor Chandler’s Long Walk. The .65-mile easy trail takes hikers out into the Great Marsh, the largest salt marsh in New England, and is great for bird watchers.
The trail is named after Professor Alfred D. Chandler, Jr., who donated much of the land.
Woodland Loop at Cedar Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in Wenham
The Woodland Loop trail is a universally accessible trail at Cedar Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. The .9-mile trail offers a loop through deciduous and pine forest and opens up to a small meadow at the midpoint.
These All Persons Trails are ADA compliant and include universally accessible interpretive features. Visitors can expect handrails, braille and tactile features, wildlife viewing boardwalks and platforms, audio tour stops, seating, and more, according to Mass Audubon.
Read more about these North Shore trails: 3 beautiful hikes on the North Shore
The Meadow Loop Trail in Great Barrington
Animals lovers will love the accessible half-mile Meadow Loop Trail in the 267-acre Thomas & Palmer Brook Reserve, according to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council. The path, conveniently close to downtown Great Barrington, has excellent wetland and meadow views with benches for resting and taking in the scenery. The trail is also great for beaver watching.
For those who want to keep hiking, the trail connects to the 0.6-mile Woodland Trail and 0.3-mile Whale Rock Trail, both moderate.
Mahanna Cobble Trail in Pittsfield
Those looking for a challenge can tackle the 2.8-mile roundtrip trek on the Mahanna Cobble Trail.
The trail starts at Bosquet Mountain ski area, where hikers climb a beginner-level ski slope before getting into the forest. Hikers are rewarded with views of Kennedy Park, Mass Audobon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and Yukon Ridge.
Sunset Rock Trail in North Adams
Hikers who tackle the easy 1.6-mile roundtrip Sunset Rock Trail at Hoosic Range Reserve later in the day can take in the Taconic Ridge and Green Mountains and it’s a great place to view the sunset.
For hikers seeking even more great views in the 944-acre reserve, continue on for 3 miles along the Hoosic Range Trail. This trail is considered difficult because of its length, and the 6-mile roundtrip hike is a gradual climb.
Read more about these Berkshires hikes: 3 beautiful hikes in the Berkshires
New Hampshire
Arethusa Falls Trail in Hart’s Location
Hikers on the Arethusa Falls Trail in Crawford Notch State Park are in a for a real treat, according to the Appalachian Mountain Club: New Hampshire’s highest waterfall. It’s a 1.3-mile moderate hike to the near 200-foot waterfall. Once at the waterfall, folks can hike down to the bottom and sit and dip their feet in the water.
The falls were discovered by Edward Tuckerman in 1875, according to visitwhitemountains.com, who named it after a nymph in Greek mythology that turned into a fountain.
Zealand Trail in Bethlehem
Zealand Trail connects to the Appalachian Trail, and hikers get to experience a short section of it before it goes out to Zealand falls. It’s about 2 1/2 miles to the falls.
The Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Maine to Georgia, is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, and the New Hampshire portion offers more miles above the treeline than any other state on the trail, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
There is also an AMC Zealand Falls Hut on the trail, where hikers can stay overnight with a reservation.
Mount Willard Trail in Hart’s Location
Mount Willard’s elevation is 2,865 feet, and the summit is located in Crawford Notch State Park. It is a 1.6-mile moderate hike up to the summit, and hikers follow an old carriage road.
Folks start out at the top of Crawford Notch and hike along forests and along a stream, and there’s a tiny waterfall and an area called the Centennial Pool. Hikers can see the southern end of the Presidential Range, Crawford Notch, Mount Tom, and Mount Willey.
Read more about these hikes in the White Mountains: 3 beautiful hikes in the White Mountains
✨ The Dip is coming back to the park!
They had you dancing last time, and they’re back to do it again. Seattle’s seven-piece soul and R&B powerhouse The Dip brings a three-piece horn section, deep grooves, and a #1 Billboard R&B album’s worth of heat to the Wilcox Main Stage. This is the kind of band that makes you want to stay out way past your bedtime.
THE DIP in The River House Concert Series on the Wilcox Main Stage
📍 Prescott Park Arts Festival, Portsmouth NH
📅 Wednesday, July 1 at 7PM
🫶 Recommended Donation
No reservations required to attend, but grab one and have your spot waiting for you!
Prescott Park Arts Festival
07:00 PM – 11:59 PM on Wed, 1 Jul 2026
New Hampshire
As Nottingham prepares to address backlash to a data center proposal, where does NH stand on data centers?
After a proposal to build a data center in Nottingham stoked fierce backlash, the town’s planning board is holding a special meeting Wednesday to further discuss the topic.
What happened in Nottingham?
Thomas Moulton, the Seacoast entrepreneur, proposed converting a vacant warehouse on Route 4 into a data center to the Nottingham planning board in May, which was first reported by InDepthNH.
In the days leading up to the planning board meeting, a petition online garnered more than 25,000 signatures.
Moulton withdrew his application hours before the meeting last Wednesday, where he was slated to discuss the proposal.
He cited the fierce criticism from local residents, which included a planned protest outside the meeting.
Protestors still gathered outside the meeting on May 27, and dozens of residents spoke out against data centers during the meeting’s public comment section.
What caused public pushback to the data center?
Kristen Lamb, who serves on the town’s conservation committee and master plan update subcommittee, said she was concerned about water quality impacts, increased electricity bills and noise pollution. She said Nottingham residents care deeply about protecting the natural landscape.
“We have a history of prioritizing our natural history, our natural resources and water quality” she said.
Numerous studies have found the energy consumption of data centers could place a serious strain on water infrastructure and power grids.
Plus, Lamb argued that building a data center would violate the town’s zoning ordinances.
In the days leading up to last week’s meeting, Lamb spoke out online and wrote letters detailing her concerns to the planning board and Gov. Kelly Ayotte.
What does state law say?
Data centers have become an increasingly hot-button issue in state legislatures across the country.
In New Hampshire, Democratic legislators introduced Senate Bill 439 earlier this year, which would have created a statewide definition of data centers and granted local municipalities more authority over regulating them. Sen. Debra Altschiller co-sponsored the bill.
“[Building data centers is] one of the fastest growing and, quite frankly, most disruptive forms of industrial development in the country,” said Altschiller. “It’s something brand new, and we can’t treat the development of AI data centers as if it is just any other kind of manufacturing.”
In a Senate committee in January, Sen. Timothy Lang, a Republican, introduced an amendment that pushed the legislation in the opposite direction.
“Basically, what the amendment does is rewrite the bill,” he said during the committee meeting on Jan. 20. The amended bill would instead limit towns’ ability to regulate data centers, and allow them in commercial and industrial zones.
The amended bill passed the House Committee on Municipal and County Government along party lines on May 5.
However, it died in a bipartisan floor vote in the House, 304-11, meaning there was no real movement in state laws or regulations on data centers this year.
“Municipalities are left with whatever they have in place right now, today,” said Altschiller. “And it’s not a whole lot.”
Democrats in the House also introduced a bill that would prohibit building data centers in the state and create a committee to study their environmental impact. It failed in committee.
What happens now?
Despite Moulton’s withdrawal, Kristen Lamb said he could still reintroduce the proposal in the future or another developer could try a similar plan, so she and other residents are continuing their fight.
“Our town is interested in moving forward with a moratorium or exploring what we can do to make it explicit that data centers or any kind of commercial industry that has that kind of impact on our water, residents income and way of life and wildlife doesn’t get passed,” she said.
The planning board’s workshop meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on June 3 at the town office building.
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