Two phone companies are objecting to a plan that would give the state two area codes based on geography.

FiberNet and AT&T both filed formal petitions for reconsideration with the state Public Service Commission Friday.

The commission says giving northern counties and the two panhandles a new area code is the best way to prevent the state from running out of phone numbers.

But the phone companies favor an "overlay" approach. That would give the new area code only to new customers throughout West Virginia.

In its filing, FiberNet says the geographic approach puts a burden on customers and the phone companies. The company says that approach also creates an impression of "winners and losers" based on who gets assigned the new area code.

PSC spokeswoman Sarah Robertson says the commission will take up the petitions next week.

Governor Manchin also supports the "overlay" approach. He says it makes more sense.