DENVER — For the first time in more than 20 years, Colorado is getting a new area code.
Starting on April 12, 2022, telephone customers in the Denver metro will see new area code: 983.
Customers in the 303/720 area code region who request new service, an additional line or to move their service may be assigned the new 983 code, according to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
PUC said the current 303/720 area codes are projected to run out of available phone numbers by the fourth quarter of 2022. The new 983 code will not be assigned until the current numbers are exhausted, said PUC.
The new area code, which will be Colorado's fifth, is projected to last approximately 25 years.
Originally implemented in 1947, the 303 area code served the entire state of Colorado. In 1988, the 719 code was created when the 303 area underwent a geographic split.
The 303 Numbering Plan Area (NPA) was split again in 1995 creating the 970. In 1998, the 720 code was implemented as an overlay over the 303 NPA.
PUC said all current customers will keep their existing phone numbers and area codes and the price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change. What is a local call now will remain a local call.
Customers in the overlay region will continue to dial 10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long distance calls and operator assisted calls.
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission said customers can still dial just three digits to reach 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 if those are currently available in their community.
The implementation plan for the new area code will occur over a nine-month period, including telecommunications network preparation and direct customer education campaigns by service providers.
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