Mandatory 10-digit dialing starts as Alabama implements new area code

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - As of Friday, you’ll need to dial 334 to get even local calls to go through, because in the next month, Alabama will get a new area code.

The Alabama Public Service Commission says number options for the 334 area code will run out by the end of this year, so the new 483 area code will be assigned to new numbers starting Feb. 23 in a large area of central and southeast Alabama that include cities from Selma, to Montgomery to the Auburn-Opelika area and down to Dothan and Enterprise.

If you already have a 334 number, nothing changes for your number. And nothing will change for those 3-digit public service numbers like 911 and 211.

It’s a good idea to update the contacts in your phone to include all 10 digits to avoid missed calls and make sure your calls go through on the first try.

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