03/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/28/2024 14:40
To ensure new telephone numbers are available, the Tennessee Public Utility Commission approved the addition of the new 729 area code to the geographic region served by the 423 area code. This process is known as an area code overlay.
What is an area code overlay?
An overlay is the addition of another area code (729) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (423). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code but does require using a new dialing procedure to complete calls.
Who will be affected?
Anyone with a 423 area code will be affected. The 423 area code covers two non-contiguous regions in eastern Tennessee, serving communities such as Chattanooga, Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport, as well as many other smaller communities. The new 729 area code will serve the same geographic region currently served by
the existing 423 area code.
What will be the new dialing procedure?
All calls in the 423 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using the area code + 7-digit telephone number. The same dialing procedure will apply to telephone numbers that are assigned in
the new 729 area code.
When will the dialing change begin?
Effective August 5, 2024, dial the area code + telephone number whenever you place a call, including calls within your
same area code. If you forget and dial just seven digits, your call will still be completed. Beginning February 5, 2025, you must dial the area code + telephone number on all calls, including calls within your same area code. On and after this date, if you do not dial the area code + telephone number, your call will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again, including the area code.
Beginning March 5, 2025, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 729 area code. If you have a number in the new 729 area code, you must dial the area code + telephone number or the call will not complete.
What will change?
What will remain the same?
Who may you contact with questions?
If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, please contact your local service provider for more information.