Hello Las Vegas, there’s a new area code in town
Las Vegas got a new area code today.
With numbers in the 702 area code expected to be exhausted sometime next year, the new area code — it’s 725 — is a little early. But that gives county residents and businesses time to make some changes.
Calls to Clark County phone numbers using seven-digit phone numbers, including numbers in Las Vegas, will still work during a “permissive dialing” phase that began today. But with a second area code on the scene, calls to existing numbers will eventually have to specify the 702 area code.
Things will really change on May 3, 2014, when it becomes mandatory to dial a 10-digit number to complete local calls. In June, the 725 area code will be assigned to new numbers.
Phone companies want customers to start using 10-digit numbers now, and to start thinking about reprogramming devices to use 10-digit numbers. The change affects landlines and cellphones.
Cox, along with several other companies providing phone service have issued statements to their customers informing them of the new changes and when they will go into effect.
All emergency calls will remain the same, 9-1-1 or 4-1-1.
Public Utilities Commission of Nevada issued the 10 digit number announcement Thursday.
For more information, visit puc.nv.gov for details regarding new phone call procedures.
Contact reporter Kayla Heffner at kheffner@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3880. Follow Kayla on Twitter @kaylaheffner1.
