Demand for Numbers Causes New Area Code

(Jefferson City, MO) A new area code of 235 will be joining the 573 area code in Missouri soon. Officials with the North American Numbering Plan Administrator's office says this will ensure all residential and business customers have a sufficient supply of telephone numbers to serve this area of the state. A press release from the Missouri Public Service Commission shows Increasing demand for residential and business telephone numbers created the need to add a new area code to the existing 573 area code region. Telephone customers in the existing 573 area code who request new service or an additional telephone line may be assigned a telephone number with the new area code when it becomes available.

     Some key facts about the new area are telephone numbers will not change for any existing customers but new customers may be provided with telephone numbers containing the new 235 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. Customers in the overlay region must dial 10 digits for local calls. Three digit abbreviated dialing, to the extent currently available, such as 911, as well as 211,311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 will continue to work and not be affected. The specific timing of when telephone numbers with the new 235 area code will become available is still to be determined. The 573 area code serves communities such as, but not limited to, Jefferson City, Columbia, Rolla, Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, Mexico, Hannibal, Camdenton, Waynesville, Farmington and Caruthersville.