Starting in January 2016, the 614 area code won't have room for any more digits, so a new code will be issued for new phone buyers or someone who adds a new line.
But how did we get stuck with the 380 area code? It’s the work of the North American Numbering Plan Administration.
For example, if you work in a 614 office and want to call someone in a 380 office, you'll have to dial a 1, the area code, then the seven digit number to make the call. If you don't, your call won’t go through.
The new area code only impacts people who live in within the 614 code.
However to many, the 614 is more than three digits.
“If you meet someone, you're like, ‘oh, you're from the 614?’ It's a big community and I feel like you're … part of Columbus and that means something,” says Molly Gill, who calls the new digits moving in “kind of sad.”
“614 to me is Columbus,” explains Denise Bobbitt. “It's going to take some getting used to.”
“It’s not as fun as 614,”says current code fan Jason Williams.
So while breaking up from your favorite area code may be hard to do, the days are numbered for 614.
380 is here to stay.
The most important facts that consumers and businesses need to know about the upcoming 380 area code overlay are:
- Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
- You will need to dial area code + telephone number for all local calls.
- You will continue to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all long distance calls.
- What is a local call now will remain a local call.
- The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
- You can still dial just three digits to reach 911.
- If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community, you will still dial these codes with just three digits
For more information, please visit www.puco.ohio.gov or call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826).