Wireless Support

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic region as an existing area code. An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code or telephone number. In West Virginia, the 681 area code is being added to the region served by 304. View map of area code overlay.

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Anyone who has a phone number with a 304 area code is affected, as well as anyone that receives a 681 area code in the future. The 304 and the 681 area codes will cover the entire state of West Virginia.

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There will be no change to your existing area code or phone number. You need only change the way you dial a call. All customers within the 304 area code will need to begin dialing the area code and the seven-digit phone number for all calls — including local calls within the same area code.

For example, if you have a 304 area code and are calling another person with the same area code, you will need to dial the 304 area code for your call to complete. Effective February 28, 2009, you will no longer be able to dial just the seven-digit phone number to make a call. The same will apply for anyone receiving a 681 phone number in the future.

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No, you will only need to dial the area code for all calls. Your current area code and seven-digit telephone number will not change, nor will your calling plan or toll-free calling area.

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Please be aware of the following important dates: 

• July 26, 2008 — Begin dialing the area code whenever you make a call, including calls within the same area code. There will be a grace period, so if you happen to forget and dial just the seven-digit phone number, your call will still complete.
• February 28, 2009 — You must dial the area code for ALL calls, including calls within the same area code, or they will not be completed.
• March 29, 2009 — New lines of service may be assigned a phone number with the new 681 area code. Calls within the new 681 area code will require dialing the area code and seven-digit phone number as well.

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In additional to dialing the area code for all calls, you may also need to: 

• Update any preprogrammed seven-digit phone numbers in your wireless handset to include the area code.
• Reprogram equipment with automatic dialers that currently dial just the seven-digit phone number, such as life-safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, security systems, speed dialers and any equipment with a similar function. 
• Check your business stationery and any advertising materials to ensure the area code is included. 
• Update any text alert or messaging services that are programmed with a seven-digit phone number to include the area code.

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• Your seven-digit phone number and area code will not change.
• The price of a call, your coverage area or your other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
• You can still dial just three digits to reach 911, 411, 611 and other similar 3-digit number that may be available in your community.

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Beginning March 29, 2009, new telephone lines or services may be assigned phone numbers with the 681 area code. If you are assigned a phone number with the 681 area code, you will also need to dial the area code for all calls.

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Since two area codes (304 and 681) will serve the same area, customers with the 681 area code will also need to dial the area code for ALL calls.

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If you have any questions about the 304/681 area code overlay, please contact us at (800) 922-0204 or you may also visit the Public Service Commission of West Virginia website.

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