Dialing Changes Coming Soon for (602) and (623) Area Codes

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) has announced upcoming changes to the dialing procedures for phone users with the (602) and (623) area codes. Effective from August 12, 2023, customers with these two area codes will be required to dial 10 digits, incorporating the area code, even when calling numbers within their same area code.

This move comes after the boundary restrictions between the (480), (602), and (623) area codes were lifted by ACC back in November 2021. Now, residents across Phoenix have the flexibility to get phone numbers from any of these three area codes from their chosen service provider.

For the (480) area code users, the 10-digit dialing is already in effect due to the introduction of the '988' shortcut for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

From September 12, 2023, any newly acquired or additional phone lines in the Phoenix region might be assigned any of the three area codes, irrespective of their current one.

Residents and businesses should take note and ensure they update area codes where required, such as on their websites, stationery, checks, and ID tags. Furthermore, it's crucial to adjust any security or safety systems needing 10-digit dialing. This includes but isn't limited to medical monitoring devices, fax machines, office phone systems, internet dial-up numbers, security systems or gates, speed dialers, voicemail services, and mobile phone contact lists. All adjustments should be completed by August 11, 2023, to prevent any disruptions in service.

Fortunately, the actual phone numbers and area codes will remain unchanged. Moreover, the cost, coverage, or other characteristics of calls won't be affected by this change. Local calls will still be considered local, no matter how many digits are dialed. For long-distance calls, users will continue to dial 1 followed by the area code and the number. The three-digit emergency and special service numbers, such as 911, 711, and 988, remain unchanged, as do community service numbers like 211, 311, and 411.

The ACC's decision places Arizona alongside states like California and Texas that have embraced the overlay solution. This method has been used over 50 times in the past decade throughout the U.S., as a response to the increasing demand for phone numbers.

For those seeking more details on this transition, visit the ACC's dedicated page here or contact your local telephone service provider.