New area code procedures set
Transformation to 10-digit dialing begins in much of state
BY Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Sunday, July 12, 2009 2:17 AM PDT
ONTARIO —Beginning today, people making phone calls in Oregon should begin dialing 10 digits when making local calls — the correct area code, followed by the seven-digit number. Starting Jan. 10, phone users will have to start using the 10-digit numbers to have their calls go through.
All of this is because, starting Feb. 10 — with the approval of the Public Utilities Commission — phone companies will begin implementing a new area code, 458, as an overlay to the 541 area code, which covers most of Oregon, except for the upper northwest corner of the state which includes Salem, the Portland Metro area and Astoria.
This will be Oregon’s fourth area code. The reason for the addition is to ensure a supply of telephone numbers in Oregon, and the 541 area code has reached its limit. Only new numbers will receive the new area code.
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