New area code in effect soon
INDIANAPOLIS � Consumers who make phone calls to parts of northern Indiana will be required to use new area codes beginning in June.
With the �grace period� for the new 574 and 260 area codes ending June 14, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) offers information to assist consumers.
The new codes are being implemented in areas that have been served by the 219 area code since the 1940s. Most of northwest Indiana, including Lake and Porter Counties, is keeping the 219 area code. The central part of the former 219 area, including South Bend, Elkhart and Logansport, is now assigned the new 574 area code, and northeastern Indiana, including Ft. Wayne, has been assigned the new 260 area code.
A permissive dialing period has been in effect for the new codes since January, meaning that consumers have been able to reach telephones in the 574 and 260 areas either by dialing the new codes or the 219 code. On June 14, mandatory dialing will begin. This means that if a consumer attempts to reach a 574 or 260 number by dialing 219, the call will not go through.
A recorded message will advise the consumer to redial, using the new area code during the first 45 days of mandatory dialing.
�We want this transition to the new area codes to go as smoothly as possible for all consumers,� said Anne E. Becker, Indiana�s Utility Consumer Counselor �Although the transition will take its final step on June 14, it is not too late for consumers to take the appropriate actions.�
Consumers can receive copies of the OUCC�s New Northern Indiana Area Codes Fact Sheet, by calling toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.
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