Detroit – Michigan is short of 313 area codes and could add 679 to the Detroit area mix by late 2025.
But why 679? Who decided that code? Local 4 was researched by asking an expert.
The 313 area code recognizes Detroit as does Skyline, but phone numbers aren’t endless.
With so many numbers, who decides when they will run out or when new area codes will be needed?
Local 4 asked Heidi Wayman of the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) to find out.
“We’re neutral, so we’re just facilitators,” says Wayman. “We have filed a petition with the state on behalf of the industry, but then it is up to state practice how they want to proceed. Ultimately that decision is up to them as to the final outcome of what was ordered.”
There are several ways to change your area code.
First, it can be split. This means that when the old number is gone, the new number will be under the new area code. This happened in Macomb County in 2001.
There is no division in Detroit. What happens to 313 is called an overlay. The new area code works in the same area as the old area code.
There is no real reason why numbers are chosen. First come first served as the old area code has reached its limit.
“I saved the number for future area codes,” said Heidi Wayman. “They were set aside 10 years before her, so we’re trying to get out of the way.”
NANPA’s work is like a balancing act set in place years ago for population growth.
Area code 313 is not expected to be available until 2025, but with three years’ notice, everyone has time to prepare.
For some users, especially those with landlines, a new area code means a new dialing method. Switching from local dialing with 7 digits or no area code to his 10 digit dialing with area code.
“If you have a 313 number, you’re calling your neighbor, and you can still dial seven digits,” says Wayman. “When 679 overlaps, you should start dialing 313 most of the time.”
The area code 313 is stuck. Not alone anymore.
Detroit’s area code was assigned in 1947 and was one of the first area codes in the country. Consider these first area codes: 212 for New York, 213 for Los Angeles, and 312 for Chicago. rotating phone.
The more people there were, or the more important the city, the easier it was to make a call.
New area codes still need to be formally approved and, if approved, will not go into effect until 2025.
A hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2023 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm at the Downtown Campus of the Wayne County Community College District, Frank Hayden Community Room #236, 1001 West Fort Street, Detroit. Add the area code 679.
Related reading: Detroit’s 313 area code expected to run out of unassigned numbers by late 2025
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