A new area code is coming to eastern Tennessee.
Due to a growing demand for new phone numbers, the Tennessee Public Utility Commission has approved the introduction of the 729 area code in the existing 423 area code region. This region includes communities such as Chattanooga, Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport, and many surrounding areas. The addition–known as an “area code overlay”–will not replace the current 423 area code but will serve the same geographic area alongside it.
Starting August 5, 10-digit dialing will become mandatory for all local calls within the 423 area. Any calls placed using only 7 digits after this date will not be completed and will instead be routed to a recorded announcement reminding callers to include the area code.
Then, on September 5, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 729 area code. From that point forward, both the 423 and 729 area codes will co-exist in the region, and anyone receiving a 729 number will also be required to dial 10 digits for all local calls.
This area code overlay will not affect the pricing of phone calls, the coverage area, or any existing rates and services. What is considered a local call now will remain a local call after the overlay takes effect. Additionally, access to emergency and information services will not change–residents can still dial just three digits to reach services such as 911, 988, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, and 811, where available.
To prepare for the transition, residents should begin identifying their telephone number as a full 10-digit number, including the area code, when providing it to friends, family, customers, or business associates. All services and devices that are programmed to dial only 7-digit numbers–such as life-safety systems, medical monitoring devices, fire and burglar alarms, security gates, cordless and mobile phones, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, speed dialers, voicemail services, and call forwarding settings–should be reprogrammed to include the area code.
While many modern systems already operate on 10-digit dialing by default, older equipment may still use 7-digit dialing. Customers are encouraged to contact their medical alert or alarm service providers to confirm whether reprogramming is necessary. Any needed updates to these systems must be completed by Aug. 5.
Businesses and individuals should also update materials such as websites, printed stationery, checks, advertisements, personal and pet ID tags, and other items to reflect the area code in their phone numbers.
For more information about the 423/729 area code overlay and how to prepare, visit the Tennessee Public Utility Commission’s website at www.tn.gov/tpuc/news.html or contact your local telephone service provider.