Understanding Area codes

The United States of America is divided into regions, known as area codes that correspond with telephone dialing areas. Based on population, some states have only one area code, whereas others may have multiple area codes. The need for more telephone numbers increased and led to the need for additional area codes. By adding new area codes, millions of new numbers became available. The increase of numbers provides usage for wireline, wireless, and other technological advanced services.

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Area Code Overlay

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code. New area codes are added to the existing area to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers. An overlay means that more than one area code will now serve the same geographic area. You won't have to change your existing area code or phone number. If there has been an overlay in your area, all calls must be dialed using the area code + telephone number, including calls within the same area code. If you do not use the new dialing procedure, your call will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

What is an area code overlay?

An overlay is the addition of another area code (826) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (540). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code but does require using a new dialing procedure to complete calls.

Who will be affected?

Anyone with a 540 area code telephone number will be affected. The 540 NPA currently serves the northwestern and southwestern portions of Virginia. Some of the larger cities include Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Front Royal, Harrisonburg, Radford, Roanoke, Salem, Staunton, Waynesboro and Winchester. The new 826 NPA will serve the same geographic area currently served by the existing 540 NPA.