New 564 Area Code Requires
10-Digit Local Dialing
Western Washington is getting another area code
Good news: You keep your phone number
Bad news: Your local telephone number will be 10 digits long

Western Washington will soon get a new area code, 564. The new area code will be available to all of Western Washington. This means that existing customers will not have to change their phone numbers, but everyone in the area will have to dial 10 numbers (area code plus local phone number) every time they make a local call. The new code is needed because local and wireless telephone companies are running out of telephone prefixes. Companies use additional prefixes whenever they expand service to a new area and whenever their existing supply of phone numbers in a particular area runs out.
This factsheet will attempt to answer some of the more frequently asked questions regarding this change.

Who will get the new area code?
The 564 area code will cover the same territory that is currently covered by the following area codes: 360, 253, 425 and 206. In other words, all of Western Washington. The boundaries for the existing area codes will stay the same. But as new numbers are needed in Western Washington, they will be be assigned from the 564 area code. For instance, if you add a new phone line to your home or business next year, your new number will likely have a 564 area code even if your other lines have 360 numbers assigned.

When will it happen?
You can make 10-digit local calls today. This allows you to start making the appropriate changes to your automated systems and to get used to the new dialing practice. Originally, mandatory 10-digit dialing was planned for July 29, 2000. However, the commission has since postponed the date twice, and 10-digit local calling will not be required until October 20, 2001.

Why do I have to dial the area code when making a local call?
As new numbers are assigned from the 564 area code, there will be duplicate seven-digit numbers in your local calling area. The only way the phone network will be able to tell the duplicate numbers apart is by knowing the area code of the number. After October 20, 2001, no local calls will be completed in the Western Washington unless the area code and seven digit number is dialed.

Will my long-distance bill go up?
The new area code and 10-digit dialing requirement will not affect your long-distance bill. A local call today will remain a local call after the new area code arrives.

How will I know whether I am making a toll or a local call?
For direct long-distance calls, you will need to dial a "1" before the 10-digit number—just as you do today. Otherwise, the call will not be completed. When leaving a message for someone to return your call, be sure to include your area code AND whether its a long-distance call.

What should I do to prepare for this dialing change?
All automated dialing systems will need to be updated to handle 10-digit dialing. This includes re-entering area codes and local numbers in your phone's autodialer, the modem or computer which connects to the Internet or your on-line service provider, any alarm systems that dial security personnel and any calling features you might have such as speed calling or call forwarding.
Since your existing number will stay the same, you will NOT have to change your stationary or inform distant family, friends and business associates of any changes.

Tim Sweeney was the last to edit this document, on 06/16/2000.

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