New Area Code Overlay – Will 270 Still Be Your Aea Code?

Well like the Sam Cooke song says, a change is “gonna” come. Only this time the change is to the way you place your phone calls.

It was recently announced that a new area code is coming to the western Kentucky area. This area is currently served by the 270 area code. Don’t worry though, unlike when the 502 area code was split to create the 270 area code, nothing is splitting and those that currently have the 270 area code will keep it!

When the new area code (which is 364) rolls out, it will be distributed to new landline and cellular numbers in the western Kentucky/270 area. The new area code still has a little over a year before it starts being used, with estimates being around the first of March 2014 being the earliest the new area code will be “handed out”.

However with the new area code comes another change. You will now have to start using 10-digit dialing for all local calls, and 11-digit dialing for long distance call. We currently use 11-digit dialing for long distance calls (1+ the area code and phone number) but if we want to call someone across the street, we usually just dial the 7-digit phone number. Because of the overlay, even if you are calling your next door neighbor, you will have to dial the area code with the phone number. And this is for all calls, regardless of if the call is placed from a landline or cellular phone.

It will not become mandatory to use the 10-digit dialing until February 1, 2014. There will be a warm-up period of sorts starting August 3, 2013. From August 3, 2013 through January 31, 2014 you can use either the current 7-digit method to place calls or start using the new 10-digit method. Then starting February 1, 2014 you will have to make all calls using the 10-digit method.

For more information, click here.

Everything seems to be set up for a smooth transition! I am personally glad I do not have to change phone numbers (at least not for now!).