New Area Code Proposed For Western Kentucky
By: Michael C. Fehn
Updated: September 27, 2012
It seems like every few years we hear about telephone numbers, whether
land lines, mobile, or fax, eating up every last bit of their assigned
area codes.
In western Kentucky, that point is once again nearing. According to the Kentucky Public Service Commission, the 270 area code is projected to run out of numbers by mid to late 2014.
The commission is now considering two possible solutions for creating a new area code, which by the way, would be 364. The first option would be to to "overlay" the new area code on top of the current 270 area code. Simply put, this would allow all current numbers to keep the 270 area code. However, customers would be required to dial ten digits, even for local calls.
The second option is a split, which would assign the 364 area code to part of the current 270 territory. That option would keep seven digit dialing for local calls, however, many wireless and land line customers would be required to change their number.
This isn't the first time in recent years that the area code dilemma has popped up. In 2007, officials discussed the possibility of a new area code for western Kentucky, but one was never implemented.
A similar situation is popping up in southern Indiana. Just last week, telecommunications officials proposed adding another area code in current 812 territory. Under that proposal, everyone who has an 812 area code would keep it, but new customers would be assigned a new area code.
Public hearings on both the proposed Indiana and Kentucky area code changes are expected in the coming weeks.
In western Kentucky, that point is once again nearing. According to the Kentucky Public Service Commission, the 270 area code is projected to run out of numbers by mid to late 2014.
The commission is now considering two possible solutions for creating a new area code, which by the way, would be 364. The first option would be to to "overlay" the new area code on top of the current 270 area code. Simply put, this would allow all current numbers to keep the 270 area code. However, customers would be required to dial ten digits, even for local calls.
The second option is a split, which would assign the 364 area code to part of the current 270 territory. That option would keep seven digit dialing for local calls, however, many wireless and land line customers would be required to change their number.
This isn't the first time in recent years that the area code dilemma has popped up. In 2007, officials discussed the possibility of a new area code for western Kentucky, but one was never implemented.
A similar situation is popping up in southern Indiana. Just last week, telecommunications officials proposed adding another area code in current 812 territory. Under that proposal, everyone who has an 812 area code would keep it, but new customers would be assigned a new area code.
Public hearings on both the proposed Indiana and Kentucky area code changes are expected in the coming weeks.
