New Area Code Coming to Central Indiana
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowCentral Indiana is set to get another area code next year. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission says the new 463 area code is necessary, because 317 is set to run out of numbers in 2017. April 8, 2015
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission issued an Order setting in motion the eventual roll-out of a new area code for Central Indiana. The Commission's Order in Cause No. 44513 authorizes the communications industry to implement what is called an “all-services distributed overlay” (or “area code overlay”) to resolve the 317 area code numbering shortage. Without area code relief, the 317 area code would run out of numbers in the second quarter of 2017. Under the terms of the Commission's Order, the new area code overlay will become effective in late spring, 2016. The new area code will be 463, which spells “IND” on the telephone keypad.
An area code overlay allows a new area code to be assigned over the same geographic area as an existing area code. This way, existing customers with a 317 area code will be able to keep their phone numbers along with their current area code. Once the new 463 area code overlay is effective, customers seeking a new phone number may be assigned a phone number with either a 463 or a 317 area code. The new 463 area code will not change long distance calling. Local calling areas do not change when a new area code is established.
The biggest change for customers will be mandatory 10-digit dialing. Once the area code overlay is effective, 10-digit dialing will be required for all local calls (three-digit area code + seven-digit phone number). Customers will continue to dial a “1” plus the 10-digit phone number for long distance calls.
An area code overlay was the industry's recommendation to the Commission because it minimizes the inconvenience, costs, and burdens on customers and service providers. The Commission's Order requires the industry implementation committee to develop a detailed 13-month implementation plan for submission to the Commission and the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor within 60 days of the Commission's Order. The industry implementation committee is also required to develop a customer education plan for the implementation of the overlay, in particular, addressing questions about mandatory 10-digit dialing.
For more information on area code relief and to view updates on the implementation plan, please visit www.in.gov/iurc/2808.htm.
About the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC)
The IURC is a fact-finding body that hears evidence in cases filed before it and makes decisions based on the evidence presented in those cases. An advocate of neither the public nor the utilities, the IURC is required by state statute to make decisions that balance the interests of all parties to ensure the utilities provide safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates. For more information, please visit www.in.gov/iurc.
Source: The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission