Utah's 801/385 Area Code Overlay

The Utah Public Service Commission has ordered the new 385 area code to be added to the geographic area currently served by the 801 area code.

This change will affect the way callers dial local calls. Current customers, however, will retain their existing numbers and area code.  Everyone should now begin dialing all local calls using the full 10-digit number (area code + 7-digit telephone number). Effective March 1, 2009, all calls must be dialed using this new dialing procedure.

What is the New Dialing Procedure in Salt Lake?

To complete local calls, the new dialing procedure requires callers to dial the area code + telephone number. This means that all calls in the 801 or 385 area codes need to be dialed using the area code + telephone number.

• For a local call within the same or different area code, customers must dial 10 digits (Area code + xxx-xxxx)
• For a toll call to all area codes, customers must dial 1+10-digits (1 + Area Code + xxx-xxxx)
• For Operator Services Credit Card, Collect, or a Third Party call to all area codes, customers must dial 0+10-digits (0 + Area Code + xxx-xxxx)

When Will the Change Begin?

Beginning March 1, 2009, you must use the new dialing procedure for all local calls. After this date, if you do not use the new dialing procedure, your call will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.  All customers should begin using the new dialing procedure before March 1, 2009.

Why Was This Change Needed?

To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the 385 area code is being added to the area served by the 801 area code. Since two area codes will now serve the same geographic region, the area code must be used when dialing any telephone number including calls within the same area code.  Beginning March 29, 2009, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 385 area code.

What Will Remain the Same?

• Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not c= hange due to the overlay.
• What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number= of digits dialed.
• You will still dial just three digits to reach 911.
• If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 are currently available in your community, you will still dial them with just three digits.

The impact home and business telephone service

In addition to dialing the area code + telephone number for all local telephone calls, you may also need to notify family, friends and business associates of the change. You may also need to change stationery, business card and other printed material or reprogram your equipment to reflect the change. All services including automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment that are programmed with a 7-digit number will need to be reprogrammed to use the new 10-digit dialing procedure.:

• address books
• advertisements
• alarm equipment
• automatic dialers
• bill statements
• business cards
• checks
• computer lists
• electronic banking information
• emergency contact lists
• identification bracelets
• fax machines
• health provider cards
• number plate on your telephone
• pet ID tags
• speed dial lists

Additionally, business customers should check for:

Impacts with PBX and other business equipment Some business customers may need to upgrade or adjust their equipment to handle the new area code. Not all business equipment will require upgrading. Call routing lists may also need to be changed. If you have questions regarding your equipment, please contact your vendor for additional information or assistance.

Impacts to Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) Customers: SOME ISDN equipment may have the area code included in the Service Profile Identifier (SPID). If so, that equipment must be reprogrammed to accommodate the new area code. ISDN customers will be notified of the specific date that they need to reprogram their SPID. If the SPID is not reprogrammed on that date, the ISDN equipment won't work.

Who May You Contact with Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the new 385 Area Code to be Introduced in the 801 Calling Area, please visit www.publicutilities.utah.gov/area-code-overlay.html