Make Room, ‘423’: Chattanooga Gets Additional Area Code
Chattanooga, Tennessee Embraces New Area Code: 729
The familiar digits ‘423’ have long been synonymous with the Chattanooga area, serving as not just its area code but also an integral part of the region’s identity. However, from August, Chattanooga citizens will have to share their numerical territory with a new entrant, the area code ‘729’.
Why the change?
The inception of area code ‘729’ is due to an ‘area code overlay’ phenomenon, prompted by the exhaustion of the available number of ‘423’ codes. The demand for new phone numbers continues to escalate, rendering it necessary to allocate an additional code. The existing ‘423’ numbers remain unchanged while all new phone numbers will carry the ‘729’ code.
Interestingly, the ‘423’ area code is not exclusive to Chattanooga. It also extends to other non-contiguous regions of Tennessee. These areas include cities such as Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport in the upper east side of Tennessee.
The implementation of the ‘729’ code is scheduled for August 5th. By February next year, residents will be required to dial a 10-digit number, including the area code, even for local calls. This shift bears likeness to the procedure for calls from Chattanooga to Georgia, where the user must precede the number with the ‘706’ area code.
The Implications
While the ‘423’ code bearers are safe from a forced change, the rollout of ‘729’ could still impact them. According to information on the state of Tennessee’s website, all devices or systems programmed to dial a 7-digit number will need to accommodate the new area code. This includes life safety and medical monitoring devices, fire or burglar alarm systems, and gates. Also impacted are fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, mobile phone contact lists, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and functions alike.
Chattanooga Reacts
For lifelong Chattanooga residents like Caleb Austin, the advent of ‘729’ is a touch odd, highlighting the tight-knit bond the Chattanooga community shares with ‘423’.
Interestingly, local businesses are also doing their bit to welcome ‘729’. Local shop, Locals Only, known for its ‘423’ merchandise, has expressed willingness to incorporate the new area code in its products. “While the ‘729’ merch isn’t available presently, we are open to exploring possibilities for hats or other items featuring the new area code,” a store representative shared.
If your personal or business stationary, checks, ad materials, IDs or websites list phone numbers without ‘423’, it might be time to plan a change, at least in the next six months.
No Changes for Emergency Calls
But amidst the excitement and uncertainty around the new area code, ‘423’ and ‘729’ users alike can take solace in one thing. The area code changes do not apply to emergency numbers. For calling 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811, if available in your community, you can continue dialing only the three digits.
