JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. - Next-door neighbors could have different area codes if one proposal for a new area code for southern Indiana is adopted.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is holding public hearings around the state to get public input on how to implement a new area code in the region.  One of those hearings is scheduled for Monday in Jeffersonville.

The 812 telephone area code is running low on available numbers.

Regulators have a couple of options: divide the region geographically between two area codes, or establish a new area code that overlaps the existing 812 region.

Under the overlay system, new phones would receive the new area code while current users get to keep their numbers. But people and businesses in the same neighborhood could have different area codes.