New area code, 10-digit dialing, planned for Northeast Texas

By KRISTY HEMMINGSEN | East Texas Edition

On July 20, Northeast Texans start practicing the 10-digit dial, which becomes mandatory in April 2003.

July 18, 2002 -- Two areas of the state (Northeast Texas and West Texas) will soon be seeing area code changes following recent rulings by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

For Northeast Texas, phone customers currently within the 903 area, will be sharing their territory with an additional area code, 430, effective in April of next year.

In November 2001, the PUC approved the second area code as part of an all-services overlay (having two area codes within the same geographic region).

PUC spokesman Terry Hadley explained, "An overlay is necessary for this (903) region because more and more new phone numbers are needed due to an increase in population, as well as additional lines needed for computer modems, cell phones, and fax machines."

Hadley also said that existing telephone customers would keep their current telephone number and area code, but new numbers, issued no earlier than April 2003, will have an area code of 903 or 430.

One way or the other, whether it is an existing 903 area code customer, or a new 903 or 430 area code customer, each of these phone customers will be required to dial 10 digits anywhere within this 903/430 region, under the new system.

The 10-digit dialing is the area code plus the seven-digit telephone number.

Although 10-digit dialing will be required, whether it is to call a next-door neighbor or someone 100 miles away, Hadley stated that "just because someone dials 10 digits, does not mean that it will be considered a long distance call unless it has been a long distance call in the past."

In order for customers to get familiar with the overlay, Hadley stated a period of permissive dialing, when customers can begin dialing 10 digits, will run from July 20, 2002 through Feb. 14, 2003. During this time, customers can place local calls dialing either 7 or 10 digits.

Beginning Feb. 15, 2003, there will be a recorded reminder for those who do not dial the 10-digit number.

Then, effective April 19, 2003, incorrectly dialed calls will reach either a wrong number or a non-working number.

Currently, area code 903 serves all of Anderson, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Hopkins, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur and Wood counties, as well as portions of Fannin, Freestone, Henderson, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman, Leon, Navarro and Van Zandt counties.

For many customers, Hadley said the change will be quite a transition. Revision of printed materials, such as personal and business checks, business cards, and mailing labels will have to be done. And some customers will have to reprogram or change burglar and fire alarm systems, speed calling lists, cell phones, modems, etc.