Alabama May Get New Area Code

The Alabama Public Service Commission isdeciding on a new area code for parts of north and east Alabamacovered by the 256 area code.

By: | WKRG-TV
Published: March 03, 2009

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama Public Service Commission is
deciding on a new area code for parts of north and east Alabama
covered by the 256 area code.
That's because the 256 area code is expected to run out of
available numbers by 2011.
The PSC meets Tuesday to decide whether to divide area code 256
into two area codes or to overlay a new area code on top of 256.
The telecommunications industry and the PSC staff have recommended
an overlay.
That would require residents to start using 10-digit dialing
instead of seven-digit dialing for local calls. But an overlay
would not require anyone to change the phone numbers on their
checks, stationery or advertising.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)