10 digit dialing in 2011

Scottolini · #1 Posted **Jan 5, 2010, 4:27 AM**

Austin originally was going to have the 737 area code overlay beginning in 2001, but this action was postponed.

http://www.nanpa.com/pdf/pl-nanp-233.pdf

However, I recently found this document saying that Texas' 25th area code, 737, will begin use in 2011.

http://www.puc.state.tx.us/ocp/telep...acts/areac.pdf

The map below shows the 737 overlay on the existing 512 area code.

http://www.nanpa.com/pdf/pl-nanp-233.pdf

If you currently have a 512 area code your number will not change. However, all new phone lines in this area will receive the 737 area code. It will be possible for someone else living in Austin to have the same phone number as you, but with the 737 area code. For this reason, you will have to dial the area code for local calls.

Scottolini · #2 Posted **Jan 5, 2010, 4:48 AM**

Here's a link describing the actions taken that allowed the 737 area code overlay to be postponed.

http://www.puc.state.tx.us/telecomm/...12NPAorder.pdf

Jdawgboy · #3 Posted **Jan 5, 2010, 6:37 AM**

This reminds me of that Simpsons episode where they had two area codes and Springfield was divided in half LOL. Why don't they just leave Austin 512 and change the surrounding area's? Isn't Corpus Christi also 512? Can't they just give them a new area code?

austlar1 · #4 Posted **Jan 5, 2010, 7:32 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

This reminds me of that Simpsons episode where they had two area codes and Springfield was divided in half LOL. Why don't they just leave Austin 512 and change the surrounding area's? Isn't Corpus Christi also 512? Can't they just give them a new area code?

Corpus Christi has area code 361. 512 is pretty much just the greater Austin area.

Scottolini · #5 Posted **Jan 5, 2010, 7:47 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

Why don't they just leave Austin 512 and change the surrounding area's? Isn't Corpus Christi also 512? Can't they just give them a new area code?

Corpus Christi stopped having 512 as their area code in 1999.

http://www.puc.state.tx.us/nrelease/1998/111398.cfm

It's also very common for larger cities to have overlay area codes, and thus the need for 10 digit local dialing. Houston and Dallas each have three different area codes. Ft. Worth uses two. Even a large portion of Northeast Texas has two different area codes.

Image courtesy of Maps of World
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...a%3DN%26um%3D1

PartyLine · #6 Posted **Jan 5, 2010, 3:41 PM**

Laredo and the Valley used to have the same area code as San Antonio 210 now their 956

Scottolini · #7 Posted **Jan 5, 2010, 9:00 PM**

This map shows the original area code boundaries, established in 1947.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...icial%26um%3D1

TXLove · #8 Posted **Jan 5, 2010, 11:13 PM**

I figured this would happen! No biggie for me!

arbeiter · #9 Posted **Jan 6, 2010, 2:40 AM**

I have been expecting this for years! Nobody's gonna want a 737 number, it'll be just like NYC and 347.

austlar1 · #10 Posted **Jan 6, 2010, 8:11 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottolini

This map shows the original area code boundaries, established in 1947.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...icial%26um%3D1

This 1947 map is interesting. By the time it actually became possible to dial long distance numbers in the mid to late 1950s, there were already more area codes. Fort Worth was always area code 817 from the inception of direct dialing. Just to call from Fort Worth to Dallas prior to that time required operator assistance. You'd give her the number and tell her whether it was going to be "station to station" or "person to person". The latter cost more but guaranteed you did not pay unless your party answered the call. I don't think there were any "Metro" numbers in those days. It was all long distance.