10-Digit Dialing In Puget Sound Starts Saturday

SEATTLE, WA - Starting Saturday, making calls in Western Washington will require dialing 10 numbers: area code + phone number. That's because the state is getting a new zip code - 564- which will begin rolling out in the 360 in August.

Back in May 2016, the state Utilities and Transportation Commission approved the new area code, anticipating that numbers in the 360 area code would begin running out by early 2018.

Right now, you can call inside the four major Western Washington area codes (253, 360, 206, 425) by dialing just seven digits. For example, a person in the 253 area code can call another person in the that area code by dialing just the phone number, no area code required.

But on Saturday, a call within 253 will require 10 digits: area code + phone number. It doesn't matter if it's your neighbor, seven-digit calls simply won't connect anymore. Same goes for calls between area codes, 425 to 206, for example.

But in the age of smartphones, many people are already used to dialing 10 digits. If so, carry on.

Aside from dialing the three extra digits, the new area code won't change much about how you make calls. You will not be charged for calling outside of your area code, and you'll be able to access 911 as usual. If your city has a 211 or 311 hotline, those will remain the same too.

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