Community Chat

[mimomof4]

Yes it is happening everywhere.  After getting rid of a land line, I had started years ago adding the area code when I made calls so it isn't a big change for me.  My contact list included area code because these days its hard to tell what really is a local call or not.  

[Duckncover]

We have never had to do that and so far, have not heard about it becoming a requirement. What a hassle though since there are so many different area codes, even in the same family. DH and I have different codes as do most of my contacts in my phone. Shouldn't be too big of a deal though if they are in your contact list. 

[millieshops]

Xfinity added the 1 several months ago for all call, and this week announced a new area code for all new lines.  Not sure when that starts because I didn't need to remember.

I haven't done a full change in my contacts -  I've been making each change the first time I click into a number.  

[Kachina624]

@On It   Actually its state-wide.

[Love my grandkids]

@tototwo I'm in WA state where this has been happening for YEARS. I'm originally from Southern California and this started at *least* 30 years ago.

[jlkz]

Having worked in the telephone company's Dial Administration function for a brief period in my career, some areas run out of usable numbers.  They then create a new area code to expand the supply.

Over time with the proliferation of cellphones, I can imagine that the overlay of area code happens many times in heavily populated areas.

yes, it is annoying to have to change / update telephone numbers !  Hopefully. You won,t have to do it again !

[cotton4me]

Virginia required dialing 10 digits for local calls in 1998.  

[ALRATIBA]

@tototwo 

It's been that way in NYC for quite a few years .... ever since they added the 646 area code to the 212.   Area Code 646 was added in 1999.  

----------------------------------------

---

@tototwo wrote:
Wonder if this is the norm elsewhere... as of Dec 1, we now have to dial our area code with the 7-digit phone number to place a local call. It's a pain! I had to change all the saved numbers in my phone's contact list. It's like calling long distance to dial someone across the street.

Is this happening all over the USA?

---

[BlueFinch]

Yes, for quite some time in my city. What's weird is, that you kept the old area code if already listed, but getting a new phone might lead to a new area code. So we now have two in my city. Plus some have different codes who move, or travel from out of area.

This made a big problem for the access gate when dealing with my mom's estate for several residents. The system can only work with the original area code. The directory has a four digit code which calls the resident. You then open the gate with your phone. Lots of folks were locked out waiting for someone to drive through and follow. A real mess. 

People were casually told -- just get a new phone. Well, that wouldn't work. New would have the new code, too. It was a battle for awhile. Don't know how they worked it out. I'm still not used to having two area codes in my city.

[riley1]

NJ has had that for more years than I can even remember.