New area code becomes active this month

The Missouri Public Service Commission is reminding telephone customers in the current 314 area code about the implementation of an overlay plan and the introduction of a new area code that will occur later this month.

The new area code will be 557. All existing 314 area code customers will retain their current area code in the overlay area and their telephone numbers will not change. This action comes after the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) projected telephone numbering in the 314 area code would be exhausted this year.

The 314 area code serves communities such as St. Louis, Overland, Bridgeton, Florissant, Webster Groves, Creve Coeur, Kirkwood and Sappington.

Aug. 12 is the earliest date telephone numbers with a 557 area code will be activated and used within the 314 area code. The 557 area code will co-exist everywhere in this region with the 314 area code.

All local calls within this region must be dialed using 10 digits rather than seven digits.

This area, along with many other areas throughout the nation, already requires 10-digit local dialing (which went into effect July 15) to accommodate the new 988 abbreviated dialing code for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.

Three-digit abbreviated dialing, to the extent currently available, such as 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, 811 or 988 will continue to work and not be affected.

Customers should identify their telephone number as a 10-digit number (three-digit area code plus seven-digit telephone number), and include the area code when giving the number to others.

Customers should ensure all services, automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment recognize the new 557 area code as a valid area code and should continue to store or program telephone numbers as 10-digit numbers. Some examples include: stored telephone numbers in contact lists in wireless or cordless phones, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, medical alert devices, and safety alarm security systems and gates. Customers should also ensure their websites, personal and business stationery and printed checks, advertising materials, contact information, and personal or pet ID tags include the area code.

For more information, contact your local telephone service provider or visit the Missouri Public Service Commission website at: psc.mo.gov/Telecommunications/ Telephone_NumbersLocal_Dialing