To address the growing need for new phone numbers in the northern third of Mississippi, the new area 663 has been implemented. This change affects numerous residents and businesses and introduces a new way of dialing for everyone in the region. This guide explains what area 663 is, the communities it serves, and the crucial transition to mandatory 10-digit dialing.
1. What is Area 663 and Why Was It Introduced?
The introduction of a new area code, known as an “overlay,” marks a significant shift in a region’s telecommunications landscape. This section covers the essential details of this new numeric identity for northern Mississippi.
- An Overlay on the Existing 662 Area Code: This subsection clarifies that area 663 is an overlay, meaning it covers the same geographic territory as the original 662 area code. It doesn’t replace 662; instead, both area codes now serve the region, and new phone numbers may be assigned from either.
- Geographic Region Covered: This part details the specific territory where area 663 is active. It includes major northern Mississippi cities like Tupelo, Southaven, Oxford, and Greenville, and covers counties from the Tennessee border down to parts of the Delta and Golden Triangle regions.
- The Reason for the New Code: Number Exhaustion: The primary driver for adding a new area code is “number exhaustion.” This section explains how the rapid growth in cell phones, business lines, and other connected devices depleted the available phone number combinations within the 662 area code, making area 663 necessary.
2. The Most Important Change: Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
The implementation of area 663 brought about a fundamental change in how all local calls are dialed within this territory, regardless of whether your number is 662 or 663.
- The End of 7-Digit Local Dialing: This subsection clearly states that dialing a 7-digit number for a local call is no longer sufficient. All local calls, even to a next-door neighbor, now require dialing the full 10-digit number (area code + 7-digit number).
- How to Correctly Dial All Calls: This part provides a simple and clear guide for the dialing procedure:
- Local Calls: Dial Area Code (662 or 663) + Telephone Number
- Long-Distance Calls: Dial 1 + Area Code (662 or 663) + Telephone Number
- Updating Your Devices and Services: This crucial section provides a checklist for residents and businesses. It emphasizes the need to update contact lists in mobile phones, reprogram security alarms, fax machines, medical alert devices, and ensure all advertising and business stationery reflects the full 10-digit number.
**3. Key Facts and Consumer Information for Area 663
Beyond the new dialing pattern, there are several key points that consumers and businesses in northern Mississippi should be aware of regarding the area 663 transition.
- Your Existing Phone Number Will Not Change: This is a critical point of clarification. The introduction of area 663 does not require anyone with a 662 number to change it. Your number remains the same.
- What Stays the Same? Pricing and Coverage: This subsection confirms that the distinction between a local and long-distance call does not change. The price of calls, local calling areas, and service coverage are not affected by the introduction of area 663.
- Be Aware of Potential Scams: This final part warns consumers to be vigilant. No one should ask you to pay a fee or provide personal information to “update” your phone for the area 663 change. Any such request is a scam.
