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New Area Code Coming To Western Washington

Kathy Willens
/
AP Photo
An vintage telephone is displayed behind glass inside the Waldorf Astoria hotel, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, in New York. More modern devices are driving the need for a new area code and mandatory 10-digit dialing in Washington State.

You’ve heard of the 206, the 425 and maybe even the 360.  Add 564 to that list.

Western Washington is getting a new area code. It kicks in on Saturday, when new dialing requirements also take effect.    

 

Why Do We Need New Numbers?

Nearly two decades ago, in 2000, the federal regulators who dole out phone numbers warned that Washington state was about to run out of new ones because of population growth and the increasing number of electronic devices that use phone lines.

“If you get a tablet from your cell phone provider, for example, those do come with a phone number,"  said Amanda Maxwell with the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission.

Those new phone numbers come from a set batch in that area code, so there has been an increase in demand.

In the early to mid-2000s, authorities worked with industry groups and others to do what’s known as “phone number conservation.”

“So they were able to work with the industry to ensure that all the numbers that were assigned were being used and pushed that new area code out significantly,” Maxwell said.  

17 years later, it’s finally time to add another code. 564 is being introduced in places where 360 is used now.  Eventually, it will be used all over western Washington.

New Dialing Requirement Starts Saturday

Along with the new code comes a new dialing requirement. Starting Saturday, all calls must include the area code or you’ll get an error message -- a practice that’s called “mandatory 10-digit dialing.

The commission is also reminding people there are some crucial systems that may need to be re-programmed, such as home security or medical emergency devices.

It’s best to check with your provider to make sure they’ll still work after the switch on Saturday.  

Bellamy Pailthorp covers the environment for KNKX with an emphasis on climate justice, human health and food sovereignty. She enjoys reporting about how we will power our future while maintaining healthy cultures and livable cities. Story tips can be sent to bpailthorp@knkx.org.