1. What is an Area Code Overlay?
   To ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers, an area code overlay has been approved for the Texas 512 area code. An overlay is the add...ition of another area code (737) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (512). An overlay does not require you to change your existing area code, but it does require you to dial the area code + phone number for all calls, including local calls within the same area code.
    
2. • Who will be affected by the 512 / 737 Area Code Overlay?
   Anyone who has a telephone number with a 512 area code is affected, as well as anyone that receives a telephone number from the 737 area code in the future. The 512 area code generally covers the greater Austin area, principally in the counties of Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Lampasas, Milam, Travis and Williamson.
    
3. • What will be the new dialing procedure if I have a 512 or 737 area code?
   To complete local call, anyone with a 512 or 737 area code is required to dial the area code + phone number. This means that all calls from the 512 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits must be dialed using ten digits.
    
4. • When will the dialing change begin for the 512 / 737 Area Code Overlay?
   December 1, 2012: Begin including the area code whenever you place a call from the 512 area code. During this initial stage, if you forget and dial just seven digits, your call will still be completed.
   
   June 1, 2013: You must include the area code for all calls. After this date, if you don’t included the area code, your calls won’t complete and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.
   
   July 1, 2013: New phone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 737 area code.
   • What do I need to do to prepare for the 512 / 737 Area Code Overlay?
   In addition to changing your dialing procedure, all services, automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment programmed with a 7-digit number must be reprogrammed to a 10-digit number, which includes the area code.
   
   Some examples are life safety systems, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voice mail services, etc.
   
   You may also want to check your business stationery or advertising materials to ensure the area code is included.
   • What will remain the same after the 512 / 737 Area Code Overlay?
   
   The following items will remain the same:
   • Your telephone number, including current area code
   • The price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services won't change due to the overlay
   • You can still dial just three digits to reach 911
   • If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 are available in your community you will still dial these codes with just three digits
   If you have any questions about the new 737 area code overlay that will be taking effect on June 1, 2013. Contact the Public Utility Commission. http://www.puc.texas.gov/industry/maps/areacodes/TxAreaCodes.aspx

Alert sent on 05/27/2013 at 8:00PM EDT

2701 North Mays, Round Rock, Texas 78665

Additional Information

Link: Contact the Public Utility Commission.

To submit a tip via text message text RRPDinactive and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: Round Rock PD

Link to Agency