The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved an area code overlay for the 757 region, adding the 948 area code to the region.
What does this mean?
An area code overlay is the addition of an area code to the same region as an existing area code. In this case, the area code 948 is being added to the 757 region as an area code overlay. This process does not require current 757 phone numbers or area codes to change, however, it does require all local calls made within the region to be dialed using 10-digits to include an area code + telephone number. Both 757 and 948 area code calls will still be considered local calls in the region regardless of whether or not a 757 or 948 phone number is being used or called.
Universal three digit numbers such as 911, 411, and 811 will remain the same.
When will this change begin?
On September 11, 2021, notice went out about the overlay and users were encouraged to start dialing all calls using 10-digits to include the area code + telephone number. At this time, calls made without the area code will still be completed.
On April 9, 2022, users with a 757 area code will be required to dial 10-digits using area code + telephone number when making calls within the same area code. From this point on, all calls made without the area code will not be completed as dialed and an operator will instruct users to hang up and dial again using the 10-digit area code + telephone number.
On May 9, 2022, phone numbers with the 948 area code will start being assigned to new users in the region.
How to prepare?
All contact records, automatic dialing equipment or accounts, services such as life alerts, security alarms, fax machines, and other programmed phone records should be updated from a 7-digit number to a 10-digit number (area code + telephone number). Make sure to update any personal or business profile accounts, printed stationery, email signatures, voicemail recordings, checks, and even pet tags.
For more information, check out the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s website at https://www.scc.virginia.gov or their blog about the area code overlay at https://scc.virginia.gov/newsreleases/release/10-Digit-Dialing-to-Begin-for-757-948-Overlay
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