Local area code changes

Once in a while, we need to introduce new area codes so we can make more phone numbers available. This is called an area code overlay.

 

When this happens, you may have to dial your own area code to make a local call.

Local area code changes by state

To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the Alabama Public Service Commission has approved the addition of the new 483 area code to the geographic area served by the 334 area code. This process is known as an area code overlay.

What is an area code overlay?
An area code overlay is the addition of another area code (483) to the same geographic region served by an existing area code (334). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code but does require customers to use a new dialing procedure to complete telephone calls.

Who will be affected?
The 334 area code serves Montgomery, Alabama and other cities such as Dothan, Auburn, Prattville, Phenix City, Enterprise, Opelika, Selma and many other smaller communities. Anyone with a 334 or 483 area code will need to use a new dialing procedure.

What will be the new dialing procedure?
To complete calls from a landline phone, anyone with a 334 or 483 area code must dial area code + telephone number. This means that all calls in the 334 area code that are currently dialed with 7 digits will need to be dialed with 10 digits using the new area code + telephone number dialing procedure.

To complete calls from a cellular or mobile phone, callers may dial area code + telephone number or 1 + area code + telephone number whenever placing a call from a phone number with the 334 or 483 area code.

When will the change begin?
Beginning July 23, 2025, you should begin using the new dialing procedure whenever you place a call from the 334 area code. If you forget and dial just 7 digits, your call will still be completed.

Beginning January 23, 2026, you must use the new dialing procedure, as described above for all calls, even for local calls. On and after this date, if you do not dial area code + telephone number, your calls will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

Beginning February 23, 2026, new telephone lines or services in the 334 area may be assigned numbers from the new 483 area code. Anyone assigned the 483 area code telephone number must use the new dialing procedure described above.

What will you need to do?
In addition to changing the way you make local calls, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to dial 7 digits will need to be reprogrammed to dial area code + telephone number. Some examples are life safety systems and medical monitoring devices, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates, cordless and mobile phone contact lists, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and other similar services or equipment. You may also want to check your personal and business stationery, checks, advertising materials, websites, contact information, and personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included in the telephone number.

What will remain the same?

  • Your telephone number, including your current area code.
  • 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 can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 if available in your area.

Who may you contact with questions?
If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, please refer to the Help Center on frontier.com or call the customer service number on your bill. You can also visit the Alabama Public Service Commission website at psc.alabama.gov.

Download a copy of the bill message on your Frontier bill.

To ensure a continuing supply of new telephone numbers, the Mississippi Public Service Commission has approved an all-services area code overlay for the 662 area code, which serves communities that include but are not limited to Southaven, Tupelo, Greenwood, Greenville, Oxford, Horn Lake, Starkville, Columbus, Corinth, and Memphis as well as many other smaller communities. The new 471 area code will serve the same geographic area currently served by the existing 662 area code.

What is an Area Code Overlay?
An overlay is the addition of another area code (471) to the same geographic region as an existing area code region (662). The overlay does not require you to change your existing area code or phone number, or how you dial your calls. You will continue to dial the area code and phone number for all local calls, as you do today, within and between the 662 and new 471 area codes.

Who will be affected and when does the new 471 area code become effective?
Beginning January 30, 2026 customers in the 662 area code overlay region may be assigned a number in the new 471 area code when they request new service or an additional line. Customers receiving a 471 area code will be required to dial the area code and phone number for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 662 area code do today.

What will you need to do?
Customers in the overlay region should:

  • Continue to dial 10 digits for all local calls, including calls within the same area code.
  • Continue to identify your telephone number as a 10-digit number, and include the area code when giving the number to friends, family, business associates, customers, etc.
  • Ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 471 area code as a valid area code and continue to store or program telephone numbers as 10-digit numbers. Some examples are: stored telephone numbers in contact lists in wireless phones, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, medical alert devices, safety alarm security systems and gates, ankle monitors and other similar equipment.
  • Check items such as your website, personal and business stationery and printed checks, advertising materials, contact information, and your personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

What will remain the same?

  • Your telephone number, including the 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.
  • You will continue to dial 10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long distance calls.
  • You can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 if those are currently available in your community.

Who may you contact with questions?

  • If you have any questions regarding the information provided in this notice, refer to the Frontier Help Center at frontier.com/helpcenter or you may call the customer service number on your bill. You can also visit the Mississippi Public Service Commission website at https://www.psc.ms.gov/psc/areacode.

Download a copy of the bill message on your Frontier bill.

What’s not changing

  • Your telephone number, including current area code.
  • The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services.
  • Whatever is considered a local call will remain a local call.
  • You can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988.
  • If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 services are currently available in your community, no extra digits are needed.
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