Kentucky PSC Explains Upcoming Area Code Transitions

I don't think I'm the only one who was a little confused about the upcoming addition of the 364 area code and the mandatory 10-digit dialing for local calls that will begin in February of 2014. The Public Service Commission released some detailed information yesterday regarding the upcoming changes. Take a look and I think you'll understand more about it, just like I did.

Via the KY PSC:

Telephone customers in Western Kentucky soon can begin preparing for the changes that will come early next year when area code 364 is added to the same geographic area as the current area code 270.

Saturday, Aug. 3, marks the start of a six-month “permissive dialing” period during which customers will be able to dial either seven or 10 digits when making local calls in area code 270. Mandatory 10-digit-dialing of local calls begins Feb. 1, 2014.

“The permissive dialing period is intended to allow customers to become accustomed to the new dialing patterns,” Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman David Armstrong said. “They have six months to get used to dialing the area code on all calls and to reprogram phones and other equipment that uses automatic dialing.”

The permissive dialing period allows telecommunication providers to prepare and test equipment in advance of the establishment of the new area code.

Here are 10 things to know about KY's new area code:

1. All current area code 270 numbers remain unchanged. Everyone with a 270 area code number can keep it. Nobody is required to change their area code or phone number.

2. The overlay affects both landline and wireless services.

3. Area code 364 will be overlaid on top of area code 270. That means that area codes 270 and 364 will occupy the same physical space beginning March 2014.

4. In order to distinguish between phone numbers with area code 270 and those with area code 364, 10-digit dialing will be required for all local calls within the overlay.

5. Ten-digit dialing also will be required for local calls into or out of the overlay in those areas that now allow seven-digit local calling across the area code 270 boundary.

6. Ten-digit dialing means dialing the area code before dialing the number itself – for example: 270-555-1212 or 364-555-1212.

7. Long-distance calls within the overlay will require 11-digit (1-plus) dialing, just as long distance calls to other area codes do now.

8. A transition period, known as permissive dialing, will begin on August 3, 2013 and end on January 31, 2014. During that time, local calls can be made using either seven-digit or 10-digit dialing.

9. On February 1, 2014, 10-digit dialing for local calls will become mandatory in the area code 270/364 territory.

10. Numbers with area code 364 may be distributed beginning March 3, 2014. Telecommunication service providers may continue to distribute 270 numbers for as long as they have any remaining in their inventories.

For the full press release, click HERE.