757 and 948: New area code launches in Hampton Roads
New telephone lines or services started in “the 757″ may now be assigned the new 948 area code beginning Monday.
Virginia’s State Corporation Commission (SCC) began requiring 10-digit dialing last month in anticipation of the inventory of 757 phone numbers running out. The 948 overlay will allow the region to continue adding new phone numbers.
Phone customers who already have a 757 area code will not have their number changed, but they must continue to dial all 10 digits (the 3-digit area code and the 7-digit phone number).
The SCC said all alarm, security, elevator services and equipment within the 757 area code that are currently programmed to dial seven digits must be updated or reprogrammed to dial 10 digits and recognize the new 948 area code.
It’s unclear how many 948 phone numbers have been added so far. A spokesperson for the SCC could not be reached for comment Monday morning.
The 757 area code includes the following areas: Chesapeake, Franklin, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Smithfield, Southampton, Suffolk, Surry, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and York.
Gavin Stone, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com
