The 957 Area Code: A Comprehensive Guide to New Mexico’s Next Number

Part I: Solving the 957 Mystery: An Area Code in Waiting

The 957 Enigma: Debunking the Myths of a Phantom Area Code

An inquiry into the “957 area code” reveals a complex and often misunderstood web of information spanning telecommunications, postal services, and regional planning. The primary and most critical fact is that 957 is not an active telephone area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It is a code that has been officially designated by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA)—the governing body for telephone numbers in the United States, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean—for future use. Any unsolicited call appearing to originate from a 957 area code is highly likely to be fraudulent, as telemarketers and scammers frequently “spoof” unassigned area codes to bypass call-blocking measures and deceive recipients.

The confusion surrounding the number 957 stems from its appearance in three distinct and unrelated contexts, which often leads to incorrect assumptions. Understanding the difference between these contexts is essential to demystifying the number.

The California ZIP Code Fallacy

A significant source of confusion arises from the U.S. Postal Service’s ZIP code system. Numerous cities and towns in Northern California have five-digit ZIP codes that begin with “957”. For example, the ZIP code for Granite Bay is 95746, for Elk Grove is 95758, and for Rocklin is 95765. It is crucial to distinguish between a three-digit telephone area code, known as a Numbering Plan Area (NPA), and a three-digit ZIP code prefix. The former is part of the telecommunications network managed by NANPA for routing phone calls, while the latter is part of the mail delivery system managed by the U.S. Postal Service. The existence of “957” ZIP codes in California has no connection to its potential use as a telephone area code.

The Michigan Prefix Reality

The structure of a standard ten-digit telephone number in the United States is NPA-NXX-XXXX, where NPA is the three-digit area code, NXX is the three-digit central office code (or prefix), and XXXX is the four-digit station number. While 957 is not an active area code (NPA), it is an active and assigned central office code (NXX) in the state of Michigan. Specifically, the prefix 957 is assigned to the rate center of Pontiac, Michigan, within the 947 area code. Therefore, a phone number such as (947) 957-1234 is a valid and operational number in Michigan. This technical distinction explains why the number 957 can appear in a legitimate phone number, but only as a prefix, not as an area code.

This multifaceted identity of the number “957” highlights a broader public unfamiliarity with the distinct numbering systems that govern daily life. The search for a “957 area code” is a symptom of this confusion, where the separate functions of telephone area codes, central office prefixes, and postal ZIP codes are often conflated. A clear understanding requires differentiating these systems, as detailed in the table below.

Table 1.1: Clearing the “957” Confusion

Identifier	System	Location	Status
Area Code 957	Telecommunications (NANP)	Proposed for New Mexico (Albuquerque/Santa Fe)	Reserved for Future Use / Not Active
ZIP Code 957xx	U.S. Postal Service	Various cities in Northern California (e.g., Roseville, Elk Grove)	Active and In Use
Prefix (947) 957	Telecommunications (NANP)	Pontiac, Michigan	Active and In Use

The Intended Home: A Future Overlay for New Mexico’s 505

The designated and official purpose for the 957 area code is to serve as a future area code overlay for the existing 505 area code in New Mexico. This plan, established by NANPA, addresses the long-term need for additional telephone numbers in one of the state’s most populous and economically significant regions.

The geographic territory that the 957 overlay will eventually cover is the entirety of the current 505 Numbering Plan Area (NPA). This region encompasses the northwestern and central portions of New Mexico, including its primary economic and cultural hubs: the Albuquerque metropolitan area, the state capital of Santa Fe, and other key communities like Rio Rancho, Farmington, and Gallup.

An area code overlay is a method of area code relief where a new area code is added to the same geographic territory as an existing one. This allows for a fresh supply of phone numbers without requiring existing residents and businesses to change their current numbers. When the 957 overlay is implemented, new phone lines or services in the Albuquerque-Santa Fe corridor may be assigned a 957 number, while all existing 505 numbers will remain unchanged. This modern approach stands in stark contrast to the older method of a “geographic split,” a process with which New Mexico has a uniquely contentious history. The planned 957 overlay is the next chapter in the story of this region’s growth and evolving identity.

Part II: The Story of 505: Identity, Growth, and Conflict in the Land of Enchantment

To understand why the 957 area code is slated for New Mexico, one must first understand the history, identity, and economic forces that define its predecessor, the 505 area code. The need for a new code is not merely a technical matter; it is the direct result of decades of growth, regional tensions, and the emergence of the Albuquerque-Santa Fe corridor as a vital hub of the American Southwest.

A Tale of Two Codes: The Contentious History of the 505/575 Split

The 505 area code holds a significant place in telecommunications history. It was one of the original 86 area codes established by AT&T in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan was first created. For 60 years, area code 505 was synonymous with the entire state of New Mexico, a single digital identifier for the Land of Enchantment.

This unified identity was shattered in 2007 by a contentious area code split, a process driven by the rapid depletion of available phone numbers in the state’s growing urban centers. The decision of how to implement a new area code became a flashpoint for long-simmering tensions between New Mexico’s urban and rural populations. The debate, which had been ongoing since at least 2000, centered on which part of the state would be forced to adopt the new area code.

Initial proposals suggested that the high-population centers of Albuquerque and Santa Fe should switch to a new code, allowing the less-populated rural areas to keep the familiar 505. This idea was met with fierce resistance from the metropolitan areas. The conflict became so intense that, in 2001, state regulators reported receiving death threats over the vote, a stark illustration of how deeply an area code can be tied to regional identity and pride.

After years of debate and delays, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) made a final decision in 2006 with a narrow 3-2 vote. The commission opted for a geographic split that favored the urban centers. The Albuquerque metropolitan area, Santa Fe, and the northwestern part of the state retained the prestigious 505 area code. The remainder of the state—the southern and eastern regions, including cities like Las Cruces, Roswell, and Clovis—was carved out and assigned the new 575 area code, effective October 7, 2007.

For residents and businesses in the newly created 575 territory, the change was a significant disruption. One Las Cruces business owner reported an estimated extra cost of $1,500 to reprint business cards and redo commercials. Residents expressed frustration at the inconvenience of having to memorize a new number and inform all of their contacts. This event codified the urban-rural divide in the state’s telecommunications landscape, with the metro area “winning” the battle to keep its historic identity.

The 505/575 split was more than a local political drama; it was a landmark event in the history of the North American Numbering Plan. It was the last geographic area code split ever implemented in the United States. Since 2007, every instance of area code relief in the country has been accomplished through the less disruptive overlay method. The future 957 overlay is, therefore, the direct consequence of the 2007 split. The very economic growth in the 505 corridor that allowed it to retain its code is now driving the need for the next one.

The 505 Corridor: A Demographic and Economic Snapshot

The 505 area code today serves as the telephonic backbone for New Mexico’s most dynamic and populous region. It is a corridor defined by significant economic engines, diverse communities, and a unique cultural blend that fuels its continued growth and, consequently, its demand for new telephone numbers.

Geographic and Demographic Profile

The 505 Numbering Plan Area covers a vast territory in northwestern and central New Mexico, all of which operates in the Mountain Time Zone. It includes 13 counties, with the most populous being Bernalillo, Santa Fe, San Juan, and Sandoval counties. The region is home to over 1.4 million people and includes the state’s largest cities:

• Albuquerque: The state’s largest city and economic center, with a population over 560,000.
• Santa Fe: The state capital and a world-renowned center for arts and culture.
• Rio Rancho: A major suburb of Albuquerque and a hub for manufacturing.
• Farmington and Gallup: Key cities in the northwestern part of the state.

The demographic makeup of the 505 area is diverse, reflecting the rich history of the region. The total population is approximately 1.43 million, with a median age of 41.2 years. The area is home to a significant Hispanic population and a strong Native American presence, with deep cultural roots that are integral to the region’s identity.

Economic Powerhouse

The Albuquerque-Santa Fe corridor is the economic heart of New Mexico, accounting for nearly half of the state’s total economic activity. The combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this market is approximately $100 billion, ranking it 72nd among metropolitan markets in the United States. This robust economy is the primary driver of number exhaustion and the ultimate reason for the planned 957 overlay.

The region’s economy is diverse and anchored by several key industries that attract a skilled workforce and significant investment:

• Aerospace and Defense: Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque is one of the largest employers in the state, supporting over 20,000 personnel and contractors and contributing significantly to the local economy. New Mexico’s clear skies and restricted airspace make it an ideal location for the aerospace industry.
• Science, Technology, and Manufacturing: The 505 corridor is a major center for research and development. Sandia National Laboratories, a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy, is a cornerstone of Albuquerque’s scientific community and a major employer with around 11,500 employees.

Intel Corporation’s campus in Rio Rancho is a key site for semiconductor manufacturing and R&D. These institutions are part of a broader “intelligent manufacturing” sector that is a key focus for the state.

• Healthcare: The healthcare industry is a massive employer in the region. Presbyterian Healthcare Services employs over 12,000 people, and other major providers include Lovelace Health System and UNM Health.
• Education: Higher education institutions are central to the region’s workforce development and economy. The University of New Mexico (UNM), Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), and Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) are among the largest employers in the state.
• Film and Digital Media: New Mexico has become a major hub for the film and television industry, thanks to generous tax incentives and a large crew base. Global giants like Netflix and NBCUniversal have established major production centers in the state, bringing high-paying creative and technical jobs to the Albuquerque area.

This powerful combination of government, private industry, and research creates a cycle of growth that continuously increases the demand for telecommunications services. The following table highlights some of the largest employers whose presence and expansion fuel the need for more phone numbers in the 505 area.

Table 4.1: Major Employers of the 505 Area Code

Employer	Industry	Location	Approx. Employees
Albuquerque Public Schools	Education	Albuquerque	10,150
University of New Mexico	Education	Albuquerque	>22,000 students, major employer
Sandia National Laboratories	R&D / Defense	Albuquerque	11,500
Presbyterian Healthcare Services	Healthcare	Albuquerque	12,000
Intel Corporation	Manufacturing	Rio Rancho	1,900
Kirtland Air Force Base	Government / Defense	Albuquerque	>20,000 personnel & contractors
City of Albuquerque	Government	Albuquerque	5,800
Christus St. Vincent Hospital	Healthcare	Santa Fe	2,375
Los Alamos National Laboratory	R&D / Defense	Los Alamos	>1,300

The Cultural Engine of the Southwest

Beyond its traditional economic sectors, the 505 corridor is defined by a vibrant arts and culture scene that is both a cornerstone of its identity and a significant economic driver. This creative economy contributes to the region’s quality of life, attracts tourism, and supports thousands of jobs, further fueling the demand for communication services.

According to a 2022 study by Americans for the Arts (AEP6), the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated a staggering $353.8 million in economic activity in the city of Santa Fe and $270 million in Albuquerque. Statewide, this sector supported over 9,300 jobs and generated more than $106 million in government tax revenue. These figures underscore that the arts are not just a peripheral amenity but a core component of the regional economy.

This economic impact is driven by a rich ecosystem of world-class cultural institutions, including:

• The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC): Located in Albuquerque and owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, the IPCC is a vital center for preserving and sharing Pueblo culture through museum exhibits, live dance performances, and educational programs.
• The Albuquerque Museum: A leading institution in the Southwest for art and history, the museum features a vast permanent collection and hosts world-class traveling exhibits in the heart of Old Town.
• Santa Fe’s Museum Hill: This area hosts a concentration of renowned institutions, including the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, which tells the stories of the people of the Southwest from pre-history to the present.
• The Santa Fe Opera: An internationally acclaimed summer opera festival that draws visitors and artists from around the globe.

This thriving creative landscape is actively supported by municipal governments. The City of Santa Fe’s Arts and Culture Department, for example, provides leadership and funding to support cultural affairs, foster economic growth in the creative sector, and promote the Santa Fe brand through cultural tourism initiatives. The combination of this rich cultural heritage and robust economic activity creates the dynamic environment that will one day necessitate the activation of the 957 area code.

Part III: The Machinery of Change: How a New Area Code is Born

The introduction of a new area code like 957 is not an arbitrary decision. It is the final step in a long, highly regulated, and data-driven process designed to manage a finite public resource: telephone numbers. Understanding this machinery, from the technical reasons for number depletion to the roles of the governing bodies, demystifies the process and explains how and why such changes occur.

Why New Area Codes are Needed: The Science of Number Exhaustion

The foundation of the telephone system in the U.S. and 19 other countries is the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), a system that uses a 10-digit number structured as NPA-NXX-XXXX.

• NPA (Numbering Plan Area): The 3-digit area code.
• NXX (Central Office Code): The 3-digit prefix.
• XXXX (Station Number): The final 4 digits.

Theoretically, a single area code can contain nearly 8 million unique phone numbers, as the NXX prefix cannot begin with a 0 or a 1. However, numbers are not assigned one by one. They are assigned to telecommunications carriers in blocks, historically in blocks of 10,000 (an entire NXX prefix) and more recently in smaller blocks of 1,000. As a region’s population and economy grow, the demand for new phone numbers for landlines, mobile phones, and other devices accelerates, and the pool of available NXX prefixes dwindles.

The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) is the neutral third-party organization tasked by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with managing these numbering resources. A key part of NANPA’s role is to monitor the rate at which prefixes are being used in every area code. Twice a year, in April and October, NANPA publishes a

Numbering Resource Utilization/Forecast (NRUF) report. This report analyzes current usage and projects an “exhaust date” for each area code—the quarter in which the supply of available numbers is expected to run out.

When the NRUF projects that an area code will exhaust within 36 months, NANPA formally initiates the area code relief planning process. While data from 2024 indicates that the 505 area code is not in immediate jeopardy of exhaustion, the continued economic and population growth in the region makes future relief an inevitability. The designation of 957 as its future overlay is part of this long-term planning.

Overlay vs. Split: The Modern Approach to Area Code Relief

When an area code is nearing exhaustion, regulators and the telecommunications industry must choose one of two methods for relief: a geographic split or an area code overlay.

• Geographic Split: This was the traditional method used for decades. The existing area code’s territory is physically divided into two or more smaller regions. One region keeps the original area code, while the other(s) are assigned a new one. The primary advantage of a split is that it preserves seven-digit dialing for local calls within each of the newly defined areas. However, its major disadvantage is that it forces a large number of residents and businesses in the new area to change their phone numbers, which is highly disruptive and can be very costly. The 2007 division of New Mexico into the 505 and 575 area codes serves as a prime example of this method and its associated controversies.
• Area Code Overlay: This is the modern and now exclusive method for area code relief in the United States. An overlay introduces a new area code that covers the

exact same geographic area as the existing code. Existing customers keep their original phone number and area code. New phone lines or services are assigned numbers from the new overlay code once the original code’s supply is depleted. The primary advantage is that no one is forced to change their number. The main trade-off is that it requires

mandatory 10-digit dialing for all local calls, because with two area codes in the same location, the seven-digit number alone is no longer a unique identifier.

The industry has universally shifted to the overlay method primarily because it avoids the massive disruption and expense of a split, especially in the modern era of mobile phones where a person’s number is a core part of their digital identity. The following table provides a clear comparison of the two methods.

Table 7.1: Area Code Relief—Overlay vs. Geographic Split

Feature	Area Code Overlay	Geographic Split
Existing Phone Numbers	All existing customers keep their current area code and phone number.	A portion of customers are forced to change to a new area code.
Dialing Procedure	Mandatory 10-digit dialing (area code + number) is required for all local calls.	Seven-digit dialing for local calls is preserved within each new area.
Geographic Area	Two or more area codes co-exist in the same geographic region.	The original geographic region is divided into smaller, separate areas, each with one area code.
Business Impact	Less disruptive; businesses do not need to change their established numbers, stationery, or advertising.	Highly disruptive; businesses in the new area must bear the cost of updating all materials and informing customers.
Prevalence	The exclusive method used in the U.S. since 2007.	The historical method; no longer used in the U.S.

Export to Sheets

The Road to 957: Regulatory Hurdles and the Public Process

The path to activating a new area code like 957 is a formal, multi-stage process involving federal and state regulators, the telecommunications industry, and the public.

The key players in this process are:

1. NANPA: The administrator that monitors number usage, projects the exhaust date, and formally files a petition with the state regulatory body to begin the relief process.
2. Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The federal agency with ultimate jurisdiction over the U.S. telephone numbering system. The FCC sets the national policies that govern area code relief. Crucially, it was an FCC mandate that required mandatory 10-digit dialing for all calls within an overlay area to ensure “dialing parity.” This prevents an unfair competitive advantage for the incumbent carrier with the older, more established area code.
3. New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC): The state-level regulatory body with the authority to approve the final relief plan for New Mexico. The NMPRC is responsible for conducting public hearings, gathering input from local communities and officials, and issuing the final order that sets the implementation schedule.

A typical implementation timeline for an overlay unfolds over many months. After NANPA files its petition, the state commission (the NMPRC in this case) holds public meetings to discuss the options and hear feedback. Once a plan is approved, a public education campaign is launched by telecom providers to inform customers of the coming changes through bill inserts, emails, and other media. This is followed by a “permissive dialing period,” where calls can be completed with either 7 or 10 digits, before the final switch to mandatory 10-digit dialing.

However, the future implementation of the 957 overlay in New Mexico will be significantly less disruptive than nearly any other overlay in U.S. history. The biggest and most controversial hurdle—the switch to mandatory 10-digit dialing—has already been cleared. In October 2021, the 505 area code, along with dozens of others across the country, was required to transition to mandatory 10-digit dialing for all local calls. This nationwide change was necessary to implement

988 as the three-digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Because some phone numbers in the 505 area began with a 988 prefix, continuing to allow seven-digit dialing would have created a conflict where a call to a local number like 988-XXXX could be misinterpreted as a call to the 988 lifeline.

Because residents and businesses in the 505 area are already accustomed to dialing 10 digits for every local call, the eventual activation of the 957 overlay will cause almost no change to their daily dialing habits. This pre-existing condition removes the primary source of public confusion and frustration that has plagued other overlay implementations, paving the way for a uniquely smooth transition.

Part IV: Real-World Impact: A Practical Guide for New Mexico

While the activation of the 957 area code may be years away and the most significant dialing change is already in the past, its eventual arrival will still have practical implications for residents and businesses. Proactive preparation can ensure a seamless transition, while an awareness of related security issues can protect consumers from common scams.

A 10-Digit World: How to Prepare for a New Area Code

Even with 10-digit dialing already the standard in the 505 area, the introduction of a second area code coexisting in the same space requires residents and businesses to ensure their systems and contact information are properly formatted. The core principle is to ensure all local numbers are stored and programmed as a full 10-digit number (Area Code + Number).

A practical checklist for preparation includes:

• Update Contact Lists: Review personal and business contact lists on mobile phones, computers, and other devices to ensure every local number includes the 505 area code.
• Reprogram Automatic Dialing Equipment: Many automated systems may still be programmed with seven-digit numbers. It is critical to check and update these systems to include the area code. This equipment includes:
  • Life safety systems and medical alert devices
  • Fire and burglar alarm systems
  • Security gates and access control systems
  • Speed dialers on office and home phones
  • Call forwarding settings
  • Fax machines and internet dial-up numbers
• Update Business and Personal Materials: Businesses should ensure all their materials reflect the full 10-digit number. This includes websites, business stationery, letterhead, advertising materials, and checks. Residents should check personal items like pet ID tags.
• Understand Pricing: It is important to remember that the introduction of an overlay does not change what constitutes a local or long-distance call. A call that is local today will remain a local call after the 957 overlay is active, and rates will not be affected by the change.

Staying Safe: Area Code Spoofing and Phone Scams in New Mexico

 

A significant modern challenge for consumers is the prevalence of fraudulent phone calls, and scammers have become adept at exploiting local area codes to appear more legitimate. Using a technique called “caller ID spoofing,” criminals can manipulate the number that appears on a recipient’s phone, often making it seem like the call is coming from a familiar 505 number. This tactic increases the likelihood that an individual will answer a call they might otherwise ignore.

The 505 area code has been used in numerous specific, documented scams targeting New Mexico residents. Public awareness of these schemes is the first line of defense. Known scams include:

• Impersonation of Law Enforcement: The New Mexico State Police have issued warnings about a scam where callers claim to be NMSP officers and tell the victim they have an arrest warrant. The scammer then demands immediate payment over the phone via bank transfer to cancel the warrant. In a particularly deceptive twist, these criminals spoof the actual phone number of the NMSP office in Grants, (505) 287-4377, so that if a victim calls back, they are connected to the real police office, adding a layer of false credibility.
• Utility Company Threats: The Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) has repeatedly warned customers about scams, especially during periods of extreme weather. Scammers spoof a PNM caller ID or a 505 number and threaten to disconnect the victim’s electricity unless an immediate payment of several hundred dollars is made, typically via a prepaid card or electronic transfer.
• Professional Board Impersonation: The New Mexico Medical Board has alerted the public to scams where callers clone the board’s official phone number, (505) 476-7220, and attempt to phish for sensitive information about physicians from their employers.
• Fraudulent Charity Solicitations: The Better Business Bureau has tracked reports of scammers using local 505 and 575 numbers for high-pressure fundraising campaigns, such as those falsely claiming to support firefighters, who then repeatedly call from different numbers after an initial donation.

To protect against these threats, authorities advise the following:

• Never provide personal or financial information (bank account numbers, Social Security numbers) in response to an unsolicited phone call.
• Be wary of urgent or threatening language designed to create panic and bypass critical thinking.
• If you receive a suspicious call from an organization, hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller.
• Independently verify the claim by calling the organization back using a known, official phone number from their website or a bill, not the number provided by the caller.
• Report scam attempts to the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General and the FBI.

The Bottom Line: Business Impact and Opportunities

For the business community in the 505 corridor, the future 957 overlay presents both minor challenges and significant opportunities. The primary challenge is the administrative task of ensuring all systems and marketing materials are updated to reflect 10-digit numbers, a cost that was a point of contention during the 505/575 split.

However, the existence of multiple area codes in a thriving economic region creates opportunities, particularly through the use of virtual phone number services. These services allow businesses to acquire a phone number with a specific area code, regardless of their physical location. This technology offers several strategic advantages:

• Establishing a Local Presence: A company based in another state can obtain a 505 (and eventually a 957) phone number to project a local presence in the Albuquerque or Santa Fe markets. This can build trust with local customers, who are often more likely to answer and engage with a number they recognize.
• Targeted Marketing: Businesses can use a local 505 or 957 number in advertising campaigns specifically aimed at the New Mexico market, which can significantly improve engagement and response rates from potential customers.
• Enhanced Privacy and Professionalism: Entrepreneurs and small business owners can use a dedicated virtual number for their business, keeping their personal mobile numbers private and presenting a more professional image to clients.

As the 505 corridor continues to grow, leveraging its digital identity through local area codes will become an increasingly important tool for businesses looking to connect with this dynamic market.

Part V: The Road Ahead

The Future of 957 and the Evolving Digital Identity of New Mexico

The story of the 957 area code is, in essence, the story of modern New Mexico. It begins with a phantom identity, born from public confusion over the complex web of numbers that organize our world, and resolves into a clear plan for the future. This report has sought to unravel that mystery and provide a comprehensive understanding of the forces at play.

The key findings are clear: 957 is not an active area code but is officially reserved as a future overlay for the 505 area, which covers the state’s economic and cultural heartland in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the surrounding regions. The need for this new code is a direct result of the corridor’s sustained growth, fueled by major industries like aerospace, technology, healthcare, and film, alongside a vibrant cultural economy.

The path to its implementation is governed by a formal regulatory process managed by NANPA at the national level and the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission at the state level. This process is the modern standard for area code relief, favoring the less disruptive overlay method over the contentious geographic splits of the past, a lesson New Mexico learned firsthand in 2007. Critically, the most significant public hurdle—the transition to mandatory 10-digit dialing—has already been cleared due to the nationwide rollout of the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This unique circumstance positions the 505/957 overlay to be one of the smoothest in recent history.

The ultimate question of when the 957 area code will be activated remains open. There is no official implementation date on the calendar. The trigger will be the semi-annual NANPA forecast indicating that the 505 area code is approaching its exhaust date. When that time comes, the NMPRC will open a formal docket, hold public meetings, and announce a detailed timeline. Interested parties can monitor the NMPRC’s website and its eDocket system for these official proceedings.

The eventual arrival of area code 957 should not be viewed as a disruption, but as a milestone. It will be a clear and unambiguous signal of the continued success, innovation, and vitality of the Albuquerque-Santa Fe corridor. Just as 505 became an emblem of New Mexico’s identity for over half a century, 957 will join it, not as a replacement, but as a partner, reflecting a region that is confidently growing and building its future in the American Southwest.