KY 270/364 Area Code Overlay FAQs

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code. An overlay does not require you to change your existing area code or telephone number, but does require you to dial the area code and the seven-digit number for all calls. In Kentucky, the 364 area code is being added to the area served by the 270 area code. See map below of the 270 / 364 overlay area.

Anyone who has a telephone number with a 270 area code is affected, as well as anyone that receives a telephone number from the 364 area code in the future. The 270 area code generally covers the western half of Kentucky serving communities such as Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Henderson, Hopkinsville, Owensboro and Paducah. The 364 area code will cover the same geographic area as the 270 area code.

The new 364 area code is being added to the geographic area served by the 270 area code. Because more than one area code will serve the same geographic area, if you have a 270 or 364 telephone number, you will need to dial the area code for all calls – including calls within the same area code. To complete local calls from a phone with a 270 or 364 area code, the new dialing procedure requires you to dial the area code + telephone number.

Beginning August 3, 2013, if you have a 270 area code, you should begin dialing the area code for all calls. There will be a grace period, so if you forget and dial just seven digits during the grace period, your call will still be completed.

Beginning February 1, 2014, if you have a 270 area code, you must use the new dialing procedure for all calls. On or after this date, if you do not use the new dialing procedure, your call will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

Beginning March 3, 2014, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 364 area code. If you have a 364 area code, you must dial the area code + telephone number on all calls or the call will not be completed.

To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the 364 area code is being added to the area served by the 270 area code. Because more than one area code will now serve the same geographic region, the area code + telephone number must be used when dialing any telephone number, including calls within the same area code.

No, you will only need to dial the area code for all calls. Your current area code and seven-digit telephone number will not change. The price of a call, your plan and coverage area, and other rates and services will not change because of the overlay. All local calls will remain local, regardless of the number of digits dialed.

In addition to dialing the area code + telephone number for all calls, you should also complete the following items:

• Update any preprogrammed seven-digit telephone numbers in your mobile device to include the area code, as well as any text or email alert services.
• Reprogram all services, automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment that are programmed with a seven-digit telephone number to include the area code. Some examples include life safety systems, fire or burglar alarm and security systems, security gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, voice mail services and similar functions.
• Check your websites, business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information and your ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

The following items will not change:

• Your telephone number, including current area code.
• The price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services.
• Calls that are considered local now will remain a local call, regardless of the number of digits dialed.
• You will still dial just three digits to reach 911.
• If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community, you still will call them by dialing just three digits.

Because two area codes (270 and 364) will serve the same geographic area, if you have a 270 or 364 area code, you will need to dial the area code and telephone number for all calls.

If you have any questions about the 270 / 364 area code overlay, please contact us at (800) 922-0204.