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New area code for all of Western Washington requires 10-digit local dialing
 
Consumer Fact Sheet

New area code requires 10-digit local dialing -- ACTION POSTPONED

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has postponed the implementation of the new 564 area code. No new date has been set. This fact sheet provides information about what will happen IF the new area code is implemented in Western Washington

The 564 area code, if and when introduced, will be available to all of Western Washington. Existing customers will not have to change their phone numbers, but everyone in the area will have to dial 10 numbers (area code plus local phone number) every time they make a local call. The new code is needed because local and wireless telephone companies are running out of telephone prefixes. Companies use additional prefixes whenever they expand service to a new area and whenever their existing supply of phone numbers in a particular area runs out.
This factsheet will attempt to answer some of the more frequently asked questions regarding this change. We also recommend our area code page for more details.

Who will get the new area code?
The 564 area code will cover the same territory that is currently covered by the following area codes: 360, 253, 425 and 206. In other words, all of Western Washington. The boundaries for the existing area codes will stay the same. But as new numbers are needed in Western Washington, they will be assigned from the 564 area code. For instance, if you add a new phone line to your home or business next year, your new number will likely have a 564 area code even if your other lines have 360 numbers assigned.

When will it happen?
You can make 10-digit local calls today. This allows you to make whatever changes necessary for your automated dialing systems to operate properly. Ten-digit dialing will be required whenever the 564 area code is needed. The commission is watching number supplies closely and will attempt to provide six months warning before the new area code and mandatory 10-digit dialing are put in place.

Why would I have to dial the area code when making a local call?
The new area code will be deployed throughout Western Washington, overlapping four separate area codes. This means each local calling area will have the potential for at least two and possibly more area codes. The only way the phone network will be able to tell the duplicate numbers apart is by knowing the area code of the number.

Will my long-distance bill go up?
The new area code and 10-digit dialing requirement will not affect your long-distance bill. A local call today will remain a local call after the new area code arrives.

How will I know whether I am making a toll or a local call?
For direct long-distance calls, you will need to dial a “1” before the 10-digit number—just as you do today. Otherwise, the call will not be completed. If you dial a "1" and 10 digits on a local call, that call will go through and you will not be charged for a toll call.

What should I do to prepare for this dialing change?
If 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory, all automated dialing systems will need to be updated. This includes re-entering area codes and local numbers in your phone’s autodialer, the modem or computer which connects to the Internet or your on-line service provider, any alarm systems that dial security personnel and any calling features you might have such as speed calling or call forwarding. Since 10-digit dialing works today, all new systems should go ahead and program with the full 10-digit number.

Since your existing number will stay the same, you will NOT have to change your stationery or inform distant family, friends and business associates of any changes.

Why not simply split the area code like we did last time so we can keep our seven digit dialing?
There is no way to split the 206 area code without requiring 10-digit dialing. The local calling area is too large. Same for many other areas of Western Washington. Whenever a local calling area has more than one area code, some local calls will require 10-digit dialing. Knowing when to dial 10 digits and when to dial 7 can be confusing. As more area codes are added, 7-digit local dialing diminishes even more. Combine the inevitability of 10-digit dialing with the fact that many people (not everyone) do not like having to change their phone number, the Commission decided it would be better to adopt uniform 10-digit dialing now rather than put Western Washington through any more years of changing phone numbers and confusing local dialing practices.

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