New 274 Area Code is Coming

With new telephone numbers in the 920 area code region in high demand, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved the implementation of the new 274 area code to overlay the existing 920 area code region.

Starting on May 5, 2023, customers in the 920 area code overlay region may be assigned a number in the new 274 area code when they request new service or an additional line. The 274 area code will co-exist everywhere in this region with the 920 area code. Customers receiving the 274 area code will be required to dial 10 digits (the area code and phone number) for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 920 area code do today.

Telephone customers should know the following key facts about the 274 area code overlay:

• Telephone numbers, including current area code, will not change.
• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
• What is a local call now will remain a local call.
• Customers in the overlay region will continue to dial 10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long distance calls.
• Customers can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 if those are currently available in their community.

Customers should continue to identify their telephone number as a 10-digit number (3-digit area code + 7-digit telephone number), and include the area code when giving the number to friends, family, business associates and customers, etc.

Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 274 area code as a valid area code and should continue to store or program telephone numbers as 10-digit numbers. Some examples include but are not limited to: stored telephone numbers in contact lists in wireless and cordless phones, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, medical alert devices, safety alarm security systems and gates, ankle monitors, and other similar equipment. Customers should also ensure their websites, personal and business stationery and printed checks, advertising materials, contact information, and personal or pet ID tags include the area code.

For more information, please visit the Commission’s website at https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/ForConsumers/MoreResources/AreaCodeExhaustion.aspx.