Southwestern Illinois is preparing for a significant change in its telecommunications landscape with the introduction of the new 723 area code. This development comes as the long-standing 618 area code, which has served the region for decades, is nearing its capacity for new phone number assignments. The introduction of the 723 area code is designed to meet the growing demand for phone lines for both residential and business customers.
This article provides essential details about the upcoming 723 area code, including the areas it will cover, the implementation timeline, and the necessary adjustments for residents and businesses.
Why a New Area Code is Necessary
The proliferation of cell phones, tablets, and other internet-connected devices has led to an exponential increase in the demand for new telephone numbers. The pool of available numbers within the 618 area code is projected to be exhausted soon. To address this, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the addition of the 723 area code to ensure a continuous supply of numbers for the region’s expanding needs.
Understanding the Overlay Plan
The new 723 area code will be implemented using an “overlay” method. This is a crucial aspect for everyone in the affected region to understand. Here’s what an overlay plan entails:
- Geographic Coverage: The new 723 area code will cover the exact same geographic territory as the current 618 area code. This includes cities such as Belleville, Carbondale, and Alton.
- Keep Your Current Number: Existing customers with a 618 area code will not have to change their phone numbers. The overlay plan allows them to retain their current number.
- New Numbers May Be 723: After the official implementation date, new phone lines or services may be assigned a number with the 723 area code. This means that within the same household or business, there could be phones with different area codes.
This overlay approach avoids the more disruptive “split” method, which would have required a geographic division of the region and forced a large number of people to adopt a new area code.
The Shift to 10-Digit Dialing
The most significant change for residents and businesses will be the transition to mandatory 10-digit dialing for all local calls. Because the region will now be served by two area codes, dialing just the seven-digit number will no longer be sufficient to connect a call.
Key Dates to Remember:
- Permissive Dialing Period: A grace period is currently in effect, allowing residents to use either 7-digit or 10-digit dialing for local calls. This period is intended to help people adjust to the new dialing pattern.
- Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing: The mandatory 10-digit dialing period is set to begin in the near future. After this date, all local calls will require dialing the area code followed by the seven-digit number (e.g., 618-xxx-xxxx or 723-xxx-xxxx).
It is vital for everyone to start preparing for this change now. Be sure to:
- Update contact lists on all your devices, including cell phones and computers.
- Reprogram any equipment that uses automatic dialing, such as security systems, medical alert devices, and fax machines, to include the area code.
- Ensure that business advertisements, websites, and stationery reflect the full 10-digit phone number.
The introduction of the 723 area code is a necessary step to support the technological growth of southwestern Illinois. By understanding the overlay system and embracing the change to 10-digit dialing, the transition can be a smooth one for everyone involved.
