Tennessee Regulatory Authority
Nashville, Tennessee – Due to an increase in the demand for telephone numbers in the 615 area code of Middle Tennessee, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator has forecasted the depletion of phone numbers during the second quarter of 2015.
The end of available numbers within the 615 area code is caused by a sharp increase in the demand for numbers for wireless phones, computers, readers, security systems/cameras, fax machines and other communications devices.
This is known as an area code overlay.
Get ready to change the way you dial your local calls in the (615) area code area!
What is an area code overlay?
An overlay is the addition of another area code (629) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (615). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code.
Who will be affected?
Anyone who resides within or has been assigned a 615 area code.
What will be the new dialing procedure?
To complete local calls, the new dialing procedure requires callers to dial area code + telephone number. This means that all calls in the 615 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using area code + telephone number. The same dialing procedure will apply to telephone numbers assigned to the new 629 area code.
When will the change begin?
You should begin using the new dialing procedures whenever you place a call from the 615 area code. If you forget and dial just seven digits, your call will still be completed. Beginning February 28, 2015, you must use the new dialing procedures, as described above for all calls. After this date, if you do not use the new dialing procedures, your calls will not be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.
Beginning March 28th, 2015, new phone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 629 area code.
What will you need to do?
You may also want to check your business stationery or advertising materials to ensure the area code is included.
What will remain the same?
Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
You will continue to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all long distance calls.
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.
Who may you contact with questions?
If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, please call your Service Provider at the Provider’s number on your telephone bill, the Provider’s website (if provided) or access the following website for more information: The Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA) at http://www.tn.gov/tra/dockets/1100018.htm
