10-Digit Dialing Coming To 317 Area Code

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — State regulators are encouraging central Indiana residents who live in the 317 telephone area code to begin using 10 digits, instead of seven, when making local phone calls starting Saturday.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor says that will give people time to adjust when the 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory on Sept. 16.

They say the change 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 317 telephone numbers would run out by the end of this year.

Existing phone numbers won't change. Neither will local calling areas.