The 870 area code serves a significant portion of the state of Arkansas. If you’ve been wondering, “Where Is Area Code 870?”, you’re likely trying to understand if your location or a place you’re trying to reach is within this region. This article will clarify the location of area code 870 and explain some important updates regarding this area code.
Decoding Area Code 870: Location and Coverage in Arkansas
Area code 870 encompasses a large geographic area covering the northern, eastern, and southern parts of Arkansas. This expansive region includes a diverse mix of cities and communities. To give you a clearer picture of where area code 870 is located, here are some of the key cities and regions within its boundaries:
- Northern Arkansas: Including areas around Mountain Home.
- Eastern Arkansas: Stretching towards Jonesboro.
- Southern Arkansas: Encompassing cities like El Dorado, Pine Bluff, Monticello, and Magnolia.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it provides a good indication of the general location of area code 870 across Arkansas. It’s important to note that with the introduction of a new area code overlay, understanding the boundaries of 870 is becoming even more crucial.
Map of Arkansas highlighting area code 870 region and the new 327 overlay area code, indicating the location of area code 870 in northern, eastern, and southern Arkansas.
Important Changes: Area Code 327 Overlay and 10-Digit Dialing
Recently, the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) announced a significant update for the 870 area code region. Due to the projected exhaustion of available phone numbers in the 870 area code, a new area code, 327, has been introduced as an overlay.
This means that in addition to the existing 870 area code, the 327 area code will now serve the same geographic region. The introduction of the 327 area code overlay necessitates a change in local dialing procedures.
Effective January 19, 2024, all local calls within the 870 area code region, and now also the 327 area code region, require 10-digit dialing. This means you must dial the area code (870 or 327) followed by the 7-digit phone number for all local calls. Seven-digit dialing for local calls is no longer supported. For example, to call an office within the 870/327 region, you need to dial 870 or 327 followed by the local number.
Key Facts About the Area Code 870 and 327 Overlay
To ensure a smooth transition, here are some key facts to keep in mind regarding the 870 area code and the new 327 overlay:
- Your current phone number will not change. If you already have a number with the 870 area code, it will remain the same.
- New phone services may be assigned the 327 area code. If you request new phone service on or after February 20, 2024, you might be assigned a number with the new 327 area code.
- 10-digit dialing is mandatory for local calls. This applies to calls within both the 870 and 327 area codes.
- Long-distance dialing remains unchanged. You will continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number for long-distance calls.
- Local call definitions remain the same. What is considered a local call now will still be a local call under the overlay plan.
- Call prices and service areas are unaffected. The introduction of the new area code will not change the price of calls, coverage areas, or other rates and services.
- Emergency and special services remain 3-digit. You can still dial 911 and 988 for emergency services, as well as 211, 311, 511, and 811 where available, using just three digits.
It is also crucial to reprogram any automatic dialing equipment, applications, or software to accommodate 10-digit dialing. This includes devices like life-safety systems, fax machines, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, and voicemail services.
In Conclusion
Understanding where area code 870 is located and the implications of the 327 overlay is important for residents and businesses in Arkansas. The key takeaway is that area code 870 covers a significant portion of northern, eastern, and southern Arkansas, and now, all local calls in this region require 10-digit dialing due to the introduction of the 327 area code overlay. Staying informed about these changes ensures seamless communication within and beyond the 870/327 area code region.
