To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the Alabama Public Service Commission has approved the addition of the new 483 area code to the geographic area served by the 334 area code. This process is known as an area code overlay.
What is an area code overlay?
An area code overlay is the addition of another area code (483) to the same geographic region served by an existing area code (334). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code but does require customers to use a new dialing procedure to complete telephone calls.
Who will be affected?
The 334 area code serves Montgomery, Dothan, Auburn, Prattville, Phenix City, Enterprise, Opelika, Selma and many other smaller communities. Anyone with a 334 or 483 area code will need to use a new dialing procedure.
What will be the new dialing procedure?
To complete calls from a landline phone, anyone with a 334 or 483 area code must dial area code + telephone number. This means that all calls in the 334 area code that are currently dialed with 7 digits will need to be dialed with 10 digits using the area code + telephone number dialing procedure.
To complete calls from a cellular or mobile phone, callers may dial area code + telephone number or 1 + area code + telephone number whenever placing a call from a phone number with the 334 or 483 area code.
When will the change begin?
Beginning January 23, 2026, you must use the new dialing procedure, as described above for all calls, even for local calls. On and after this date, if you do not dial area code + telephone number, your calls will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.
Beginning February 23, 2026, new telephone lines or services in the 334 area may be assigned numbers from the new 483 area code. However, 483 telephone numbers can only be assigned to customers when all 334 codes have been assigned. Anyone assigned the 483 area code telephone number must use the new dialing procedure described above.
What will you need to do?
In addition to changing the way you make local calls, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to dial 7 digits will need to be reprogrammed to dial area code + telephone number. Some examples are life safety systems and medical monitoring devices, PBXs, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, fire or burglar alarms, security systems or gates, cordless and mobile phone contact lists, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and other similar services or equipment. You may also want to check your personal and business stationery, checks, advertising materials, websites, contact information, and personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included in the telephone number.
What will remain the same?
- Your telephone number, including your current area code.
- The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
- What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
- You can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 if available in your area.
Learn more about the upcoming dialing changes in central and southeast Alabama in the WSFA 12 News article and accompanying video coverage published on June 25, 2025.
Who may you contact with questions?
If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, please call 1-888-810-4638 or go to https://psc.alabama.gov/.