What is an area code overlay?
An overlay is the addition of another area code (572) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (405). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code.
Who will be affected?
The 405 area code serves all or portions of 19 counties in the central part of the state which includes Oklahoma City, the state capital and state’s most populous city. The new 572 area code will serve the same geographic area currently served by the existing 405 area code.
What will be the new dialing procedure?
To complete local calls, the new dialing procedure requires callers to dial area code + telephone number. This means that all calls in the 405 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using area code + telephone number. The same dialing procedure will apply to telephone numbers assigned to the new 572 area code.
When will the change begin?
Effective October 24, 2020, you should begin using the new dialing procedures whenever you place a call from the 405 area code. If you forget and dial just seven digits, your call will still be completed.
Beginning April 24, 2021, you must use the new dialing procedures, as described above for all calls. After this date, if you do not use the new dialing procedures, your calls will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.
Beginning May 24, 2021, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 572 area code.
What will you need to do?
In addition to changing your dialing procedures, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed with a 7-digit number will need to be reprogrammed to use the new dialing procedures. Some examples are life safety systems, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, etc. You may also want to check your business stationery or advertising materials to ensure the area code is included.