Hello, 737! No hang-up on new area code

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin will soon get a new area code now that the Public Utility Commission voted Thursday to add it to the well-known 512.

New phone numbers in Central Texas will get the new 737 area code within a year, with a plan to roll that out and the 10-digit dialing starting a year from now.

Commissioners debated briefly Thursday morning before voting for the change.

There's been plenty of response since word first leaked that a second area code is in the works for the growing city of Austin.

The remaining available numbers in the 512 area are expected to run out by late 2013.

Regional growth and added demand has officials exploring the possibility of a new area code for the area that 512 serves.

Officials have asked for the public's feedback on the plan, prompted in an effort to handle growth -- along with the added demand for new wireless phone numbers and business landlines.

What this means for current 512 users

Current customers in the 512 area code will get to keep their 512 numbers, while new ones could be assigned either the 737 or the 512 area code.

All customers would be required to dial 10 digits for all local calls and 11 digits for long distance. The plan calls for a six-month period of either seven- or 10-digit dialing from December 2012 through May 2013.

After that, mandatory 10-digit dialing is set to start in June 2013 -- followed by activation of the 737 area code in July 2013.

Counties the 512 area code currently covers

• Travis
• Williamson
• Hays
• Burnet
• Lampasas
• Caldwell
• Bastrop
• Lee
• Milam
• Mills
• Coryell
• San Saba
• Bell
• Fayette
• Guadalupe
• Comal
• Blanco
• Llano