The 812 area code, which has remained unchanged since 1947, will be joined by Indiana’s newest area code, 930, which began its transition period March 1.
This trial period is serving as a way for callers in the 812 area to adjust to dialing 10-digit numbers, according to an Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor press release.
“Without 930 the supply of available numbers for southern and south-central Indiana would run out in 2015,” according to the website.
The 317 telephone area code, which serves the Indianapolis region, is projected to run out of numbers in 2017.
To remedy this issue, the Indiana telecommunications industry asked the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on July 10 to add a new area code to the 317 region.
This request is currently pending, according to the IOUCC website.
Testimony from the IOUCC will be due Jan. 6, 2015.
“The IURC will consider and determine when and how a new area code will be implemented for the 317 area,” according to the website.
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator is the body that “oversees and assigns telephone area codes in the United States,” according to an IOUCC fact sheet. It filed the July 10 petition and suggested an overlay of all services.
A geographic split, which is sometimes offered as an alternative to a service overlay, was not mentioned as a possibility in the NANPA petition.
Both the 812 and 317 area code transitions will likely be dealt with through overlays, which means existing customers will keep their same phone numbers.
“All new area codes introduced in the United States since 2008 have used the overlay method,” the website states, and that will include Indiana’s upcoming transitions.
In the case of an overlay, the IOUCC website states that changes will likely be implemented in 2015.
Callers will need to dial 10 digits for local calls once changes are made and existing 317 phone numbers will not change, according to the website. Three-digit calls, such as emergency service 911, will remain the same.
These regulations will work the same way with the 812 region, according to the website.
Following the addition of a 930 area code to the 812 region, the 930 and 812 area codes are projected not to need additional changes for another 71 years.
Although the 812 area code shift is already underway, the long-term solution to the 317 area code problem is still pending approval.
Anyone who is interested in commenting about the issue and giving advice may submit written comments to the IOUCC or attend one of the several IURC public field hearings listed below.
To learn more about the area code changes and remain updated on the situation, visit www.in.gov/oucc .
What changes are coming to your area?
Because of the limited number of 812 and 317 phone numbers available, new area codes are being introduced to the area.
Individuals with existing phone numbers will be able to keep their numbers and area code.
To make local calls, residents will now need to dial 10 digits. Emergency numbers, such as 911, will remain the same.
IURC public field ?hearings for 317 ?area code changes
Indianapolis
10 a.m. Sept. 26?Room 222, PNC Center?101 W. Washington St.
Carmel
6 p.m. Oct. 1?Carmel Clay School District Office Boardroom?5201 E. Main St.
Franklin
6 p.m. Oct. 14?Student Center Branigin Room?Franklin College?101 Branigin Blvd.
Danville
6 p.m. Oct. 29?Danville High School Auditorium, 100 Warrior Way
Greenfield
6 p.m. Dec. 1?City Hall Council Chambers, 10 S. State St.
