Start using 10-digit dialing now so it will be second nature by the time it is required on March 31.

The growing population in central North Carolina and addition of devices that require a phone number is exhausting the available numbers in the 919 area code. The NC Utilities Commission has announced a new area code is coming to the 919 region. The new 984 area code will overlay the 919 area code bringing 10-digit dialing to the region. You won’t have to change telephone numbers, just the way you dial in the 919 area code. The new 984 area code will be assigned only for new telephone numbers within the area code.

Effective March 31, 2012, 10-digit dialing – the appropriate area code (919 or 984) + the seven-digit number – will be necessary for local and expanded local calls. It will not be necessary to dial a “1” or a “0” when dialing your local and expanded local calls. Local calling areas and rates will not be affected by this change.