COLUMBUS, OHIO (Dec. 14, 2022) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today approved a plan to overlay a new area code over the existing 440 area code. The 440 area code is expected to run out of available phone numbers in the third quarter of 2024. All current 440 area code subscribers will continue to maintain their current number and area code.
Upon implementation of the overlay, all new phone subscribers will be assigned the new area code, which has not yet been determined. As a result of the nationwide implementation of the 988 dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Line, customers in the 440 area are already transitioning to 10-digit dialing.
The Commission has directed the telecommunications industry to file implementation and communications plans with the PUCO. The plans should indicate when the overlay should take effect and include any communications companies will use to notify their customers.
Additional information regarding area code exhaust can be found on the PUCO website here.
A copy of today’s Commission opinion and order is available on the PUCO’s website at www.PUCO.ohio.gov, click on the link to Docketing Information System and enter the case number 22-631-TP-COI.