One of the crises of the modern age isn't such a crisis after all.

The 315 area code is not running out of phone numbers anywhere near as fast as feared. The prediction was we would run out of phone numbers by the third quarter of 2010.

The prediction now is the first quarter of 2013.

The state Public Service Commision, which regulates phone service, says "the slowing economy" is to blame for less demand for phone numbers.

The PSC had planned to put a new area code into the 18 county area now served by 315. New numbers would have been assigned to the new area code.

In light of the slowdown, the PSC is putting its plans "in abeyance until such time as the facts and circumstances indicate a more immediate need for area code relief."