COLUMBUS – Folks living in the 614 area code, which includes Columbus, Franklin County and most of the city’s suburbs, will have to add to the wear and tear on their index fingers after Friday.
Beginning Saturday, Jan. 30, everyone in the 614 area code (see map above) will have to dial the area code for all calls, including local calls, as the new 380 area code comes into use. If the new calling procedure is not used, the call won’t be completed and a recording will instruct the caller to hang up and dial again.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved the new 380 area code in July because the North American Numbering Plan Administrator anticipated that all of the 7.9 million possible combinations of seven digits would be used up in the 614 area so customers in the region getting new service, an additional line or, in some cases, moving their telephone service may be assigned a 380 number.
No matter what area code they live in, customers will have to begin dialing 10 or 11 numbers, even to make a local call and, depending on whom they are calling, they may have to dial the area code plus the seven-digit telephone number or 1+area code+telephone number.
Consumers getting new service will be assigned 380 numbers on February 27, says Matthew Schilling, PUCO public information officer.
The telephone numbers of existing customers will not change, but PUCO officials say equipment and services – from voicemail to life safety systems and alarm systems – should be updates to recognize the new 380 area code as a valid area code.
Because two area codes (614 and 380) will serve the same geographic area, if you have a 614 or 380 area code, you’ll need to enter the area code and phone number for all calls.
Beginning February 27, 2016, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 380 area code. Anyone with a 380 area code must enter the area code and seven-digit phone number on all calls or the call won’t be completed.
Three-digit numbers, like 911, are not affected.
The PUCO recommends updating pre-programmed seven-digit phone numbers in mobile devices, text or email alert services and re-programming services and devices that use a seven-digit phone number to include the area code, including automatic dialing equipment.
Other examples include:
Life safety systems and medical monitoring devices
Fire or burglar alarm and security systems
Security gates
Speed dialers
Call forwarding settings
Fax machines
Internet dial-up numbers
Voice mail services and similar functions
Check websites, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information and personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included.
According to the PUCO website, the next area codes that will be exhausted will be Cincinnati’s 513 and northeast Ohio’s 440 in 2019. The 937 area code, which serves Marysville and much of west central Ohio, will not be exhausted until 2020.
The Akron-Canton-Youngsotwn 234/330 area codes are safe until 2034 and northwestern Ohio’s 419/567 until 2033.