KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Public Utility Commission said it is working to make sure new phone numbers continue to be available in East Tennessee and is taking a step to make more available.
The commission said it would go through an "area code overlay" process in areas with a "423" area code. The process effectively adds a new area code to the area on top of the existing one. The new area code would be "729."
The process does not require people to change their phone numbers. However, people will eventually need to dial full, ten-digit phone numbers to complete calls in the area.
The new requirement is expected to start on Aug. 5. The commission said calls will still be completed if people forget to include the area code. However, calls that don't include area codes will not be completed starting Feb. 5, 2025. After that date, people who dial only seven-digit phone numbers will get a recording instructing them to hang up and dial again with the area code.
"Beginning March 5, 2025, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 729 area code," the commission said.
Services and automatic dialing equipment programmed to dial a seven-digit number will need to be reprogrammed to include the area code. That equipment can include life safety systems, medical monitoring devices, security systems, fax machines, call forwarding settings, voicemail services or speed dialers.
The price of calls will stay the same, and people will still be able to reach regular three-digit phone lines like 911, 988 and 311.