Q. What is the new area code assigned for north central Indiana, which includes South Bend/Elkhart? A new 574 area code will be assigned to north central Indiana, which includes South Bend/Elkhart. The new 574 area code will be used for all telephone services, including cellular phones, pagers and fax machines. Northwestern Indiana, which includes the Gary/Lake County region, will keep their existing 219 area code.
Q. What is the new area code for northeastern Indiana, including Fort Wayne? A new 260 area code will be assigned to the northeastern portion of the state, including Fort Wayne. The new 260 area code will be used for telephone services, including cellular phones, pagers and fax machines. Northwestern Indiana, which includes the Gary/Lake county region, will keep their existing 219 area code.
Q. When will the new area codes be introduced?
Use of the new area codes will begin January 15, 2002. Between January
15, 2002 and June 13, 2002 there will be a permissive dialing period
or "grace period" during which time phone numbers changing to the
new 574 area code may be dialed with either the 219 or 574 area
codes. During this "grace period" phone numbers changing to the
new 260 area code may be dialed with either the 219 or 574 area
codes. Beginning Friday, June 14, 2002, your call will not be completed
without using the new area codes.
Q. Will I have to change the way I dial to reach numbers in the new area codes? Yes, eventually. All local calls within your area code will be dialed with just the seven-digit number. Local calls to the 574 and 260 area codes will require 10 digits - the area code and the seven-digit number. As usual, dial "1" before the area code if you're making a long distance call. All operator-assisted calls, including credit card, collect and third-party calls, will require dialing "0" plus the 10 digits.
Q. Will local calls between the 219 area code and the new 574 area code, between the 219 area code and the new 260 area code and between the new 574 area code and the new 260 area code be considered long distance and cost more? No. They will still be local calls. Rates and local calling areas will not change. Even though you may dial an area code to complete a local call, if you live near an area code border, it will still be a local call.
Q. Will calling 911 and 411 change due to the new area codes? No. 911 and 411 will not be affected. You will still be able to call 911 for emergency services and 411 for Directory Assistance just as you do today.
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