OLYMPIA — Local calls in Western Washington will have to be dialed with the area code starting July 29.
And those within the 360 area code will soon see another area code for the region: 564.
On July 29, all calls made within western Washington will have to be placed using the 10-digit telephone number, the state Utilities and Transportation Commission said Tuesday.
If a person dials only seven digits, the call will not be completed and the caller will hear an announcement saying that the call must be made with the area code.
The order is part of the May 2016 approval of a new area code for western Washington to address a need for additional numbers, the commission said.
To implement the new area code, the commission also approved mandatory 10-digit dialing for all of Western Washington.
The new area code, 564, will overlay all of Western Washington and initially be distributed to the 360 area code territory. As numbers are needed in the 206, 253, and 425 area code territories, 564 will be distributed to meet the demand.
The 564 area code will be assigned to new telephone lines or services beginning Aug. 28.
The commission also said:
• Current telephone numbers, including the current area code, will not change.
• Callers will continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number to complete long distance calls.
• A local call will remain a local call. The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change.
• Calling 9-1-1 will not change. Consumers will continue to dial three digits to reach 211 and 811, as well as 311 and 511 where available.
The commission urged that people make sure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, applications, software, or other types of equipment recognize the new 564 area code.
This could include life-safety systems, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, ankle monitors, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions.
Also people are urged to check that business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, and personal or pet ID tags include the area code in the telephone number.
Call forwarding functions will also need to be updated to include the 10-digit telephone number.
For more information, see www.utc.wa.gov/overlay or contact your local telephone service provider.
