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319 Area Code Split
Iowa
is running out of usable telephone numbers in the region served by the 319 area
code due to unprecedented demand for services such as fax machines, pagers, wireless
telephones and additional telephone lines, as well as the many choices in telecommunications
providers.
On
March 25, 2001, the region served by the 319 area code will be split into two
area codes: 319 and the new 563 area code.
Area
code split:
The region served
by the 319 area code will be split into two parts:
- The 319 area
code will be kept by Waverly, Oelwein, Waterloo, Monticello, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
City, Mount Pleasant, Burlington, Fort Madison, Keokuk, and their surrounding
areas.
- The 563 area
code is being assigned to Decorah, Elkader, Strawberry Point, Dubuque, Manchester,
Clinton, Tipton, Davenport, Muscatine, and adjacent areas.
Click here
for a complete list of prefixes in the 319/563 area.
Effective
dates: The region served by the 319 area code will be split into two area codes
on March 25, 2001. Beginning on that date, the new 563 area code should be used.
If there are problems the old area code will work until December 2, 2001. It is
important that any problems found using the new area code be reported to the caller's
local service provider and long distance provider. Only the new 563 area code
will work on and after December 2, 2001.
Test
your telecommunications equipment. Some telecommunications equipment used
by businesses and other organizations may need to be reprogrammed or upgraded
before it can complete calls into the new 563 area code. Businesses can test their
telephone equipment to determine if it recognizes the 563 area code by calling
the following test number: 563-324-0563
If
a call to the test number does not go through, contact your equipment provider.
If your equipment is not the problem, please call the Kalona Cooperative Telephone
Company at: 319-656-3668.
Other
communications services:
Some other communications
services that might be affected are:
- Calling features
such as speed-dialing and call-forwarding, which may need to be reprogrammed to
place calls to the new 563 area code.
- Some wireless
devices, such as wireless telephones and pagers, which need to be reprogrammed
by the service provider.
- Some alarm systems,
medic alert systems, which may need to be reprogrammed. · Internet dial-up connections,
which may need to be reprogrammed.
- Coin-operated
telephones. Owners should contact their equipment vendor for specific requirements
of their equipment.
- Toll-free numbers
such as 800, 877 and 888 in the new area code, which may need to be reprogrammed.
Check with your service provider.
Directory
Listings:
For
all affected communities, local telephone companies will begin publishing the
new area code after March 25, 2001. Individual businesses are responsible for
changes to listings appearing in other directories. Businesses are also responsible
for phone numbers appearing in any display advertising.
Cost
incurred:
The
area code modification is the result of normal growth in Iowa. Any costs incurred
for updating systems and revising printed materials are the responsibility of
the individual or business.
Customer
education:
To
help ensure customers are fully informed regarding this area code change, Iowa's
telecommunications industry established a customer education committee. The committee
developed an extensive Customer Education Plan to serve as a blueprint for use
by telecommunications providers in educating consumers. The plan includes bill
inserts, brochures, special targeted letters, and an advertising campaign.
Additional
information:
If you have questions
regarding the Iowa area code change, additional information is available through
the following sources:
Iowa Utilities
Board at www.state.ia.us/iub or 1-877-565-4450
Kalona Cooperative
Telephone Company at 319-656-3668
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