Answers to FAQs

Oregon 541/458 Area Code Overlay

1. What is an Area Code Overlay?
2. Who is affected?
3. How will calls in the 541 area code need to be dialed?
4. When will the change begin?
5. Will the change affect my service?
6. What will I need to do to prepare for the overlay?
7. When will 458 telephone numbers be assigned?
8. How will customers with a 458 area code need to dial calls?
9. What will remain the same?
10. Who may I contact with questions?

1. What is an Area Code Overlay?
   An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic region as an existing area code. In this instance, the 458 area code is being added to the region served by 541. An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code or telephone number, but it does require callers with both area codes to dial the area code and the 7-digit number for all calls.
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2. Who is affected?

   Anyone who has a telephone number with a 541 area code is affected.

   Click here to view a map of the area code overlay

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3. How will calls in the 541 area code need to be dialed?

   The new 458 area code is being added to the region served by 541. Since two area codes will soon serve the same region, customers with a 541 (or 458) area code must now dial the area code for all calls – including calls within the same area code. 

   This means, if you have a 541 phone number and call another 541 phone number, you will have to dial the area code. You will no longer be able to dial just the 7-digit phone number.

    

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4. When will the change begin?

   Beginning July 12, 2009, all customers with a 541 area code should begin dialing the area code for ALL calls. There will be a grace period, so if you forget and dial just seven digits during the grace period, your call will still be completed.

   Beginning January 10, 2010, if you do not use an area code, your call will not be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

   Beginning February 10, 2010, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 458 area code.

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5. Will the change affect my service?

   No, you will only need to dial the area code for all calls. Your seven-digit telephone number, including your current area code, will not change. The price of a call, your coverage area and other rates and services will not change because of this overlay. All local calls will remain local regardless of the number of digits dialed.

   You can still dial just three digits to reach 911, 611, 411 and other 3-digit numbers that may be available in your community.

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6. What will I need to do to prepare for the overlay?

   In addition to dialing the area code for all calls, please make certain all automatic dialing equipment, fire and security alarms, text alert or messaging services, and other types of equipment that are programmed with a 7-digit number are reprogrammed to use an area code. Be sure to check that the phone numbers pre-programmed in your wireless handset include the area code. You may also want to check your stationery, advertising materials, websites, and any ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

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7. When will 458 telephone numbers be assigned?

   As early as February 10, 2010, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 458 area code.

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8. How will customers with a 458 area code need to dial calls?

   Since two area codes (541 and 458) will serve the same region, customers with the 458 area code will also have to dial the area code for ALL calls.

   This means that if you have a 458 phone number and call another 458 phone number, you will have to dial the area code. You cannot dial just the seven-digit phone number.

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9. What will remain the same?
   • Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
   • The price of a call, your coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
   • What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
   • You can still dial just three digits to reach 411, 611, 911, and other 3-digit numbers that may be available in your community.
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10. Who may I contact with questions?

    If you have any questions regarding the information provided, please visit: 

    www.puc.state.or.us/PUC/541_area_code_shtml 

    You may also Contact Us by phone at the following numbers:

    • Customer Service at (800) 922-0204
    • Prepay Customer Service at (888) 294-6804
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