Alabama Area Code 205 Birmingham Cities and Phone Numbers
Alabama Area Code 205Alabama Area Code 205 Birmingham Cities and Phone Numbers - To keep up with the demand for phone numbers, a new 659 area code will be added to the same region currently served by the 205 area code. This is called an area code overlay. It means you'll need to change how you dial local calls.
What is an Area Code Overlay?
An overlay means adding a new area code (659) to the same geographic region as the existing 205 area code. You won't need to change your current area code.
Who Will Be Affected?
The 205 area code covers west-central Alabama, including Butler, Birmingham, Clanton, Hamilton, Jasper, Pell City, and Tuscaloosa. The new 659 area code will cover the same areas.
What's the New Dialing Procedure?
From now on, you'll need to dial the area code + phone number for all local calls. This applies to numbers in both the 205 and the new 659 area codes. So, instead of just dialing seven digits, you'll need to include the area code every time.
When Does This Start?
- April 13, 2019: Start using the new dialing procedures. If you forget, your call will still go through for now.
- October 12, 2019: You must use the new dialing procedures. If you don’t, your call won’t go through, and you'll get a recorded message telling you to hang up and dial again with the area code.
- November 12, 2019: New phone lines or services may start using the 659 area code.
What Do You Need to Do?
- Update any equipment that dials seven-digit numbers to include the area code. This includes life safety systems, PBXs, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, and voicemail services.
- Check your business materials, like stationery and ads, to ensure the area code is included.
What Stays the Same?
- Your phone number, including the area code, won’t change.
- The cost of calls, coverage areas, and other rates and services won’t change because of the overlay.
- Local calls will still be local, regardless of how many digits you dial.
- You can still dial three digits to reach 911 and other services like 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811, if they're available in your area.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please call AT&T at 800-288-2020 or visit att.com or http://www.psc.state.al.us/ for more information.
