INDIANAPOLIS — On Sat., March 19, all consumers in central Indiana’s 317 telephone area code are encouraged to start using ten digits, rather than seven, to make local phone calls. (For example, callers should start dialing “317-555-5555” instead of “555-5555.”) This will help consumers ease into the upcoming transition to mandatory 10-digit dialing for local calls within the 317 area code.
Local calls made with seven digits will still work through Sept. 16, to give consumers in the 317 area time to adjust to the new dialing pattern and to make any required system changes before 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory for local calls.
The change to 10-digit dialing is necessary so the new 463 area code can be added to the region this fall. The new area code will “overlay” the entire 317 region. The 317/463 overlay is being implemented in response to projections that all numbering supplies for 317 will be exhausted by the end of this year. To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the new 463 area code will be superimposed over the entire 317 region, which includes Indianapolis and most of its suburbs.
Beginning Oct. 17, 2016, numbers assigned for new telephone lines or services in the 317 region may include the new 463 area code.