TX 346 Area Code Overlay to Existing Area Codes 281/713/832 FAQs

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code(s). In this instance, the 346 area code is an additional overlay being added to the region already served by 3 other area codes. With this additional overlay, you won’t have to change your existing area code or phone number.  You’ll simply continue to dial the area code + the 7-digit phone number for all calls. In the greater Houston area, the 346 area code overlay is being added to the area served by the 281, 713 and 832 area codes. See the map below of the 281 / 346 / 713 / 832 overlay area.

Anyone who has a phone number with a 281, 713 or 832 area code should be aware that the new 346 area code will cover the same geographic area as the current 281, 713 and 832 area codes. The 281, 713 and 832 area codes generally cover the greater Houston area and portions of the following counties:

• Harris
• Fort Bend
• Waller
• Austin
• Montgomery
• San Jacinto
• Liberty
• Chambers
• Galveston
• Brazoria

Beginning 7/1/14, new phone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 346 area code. If you have a 346 area code, you must dial the area code + 7-digit phone number on all calls or the call will not be completed. For customers with a 281, 713 or 832 area code, you’ll simply continue to dial the area code + 7-digit phone number on all calls.

The 346 area code is being added to the area served by the 281, 713 and 832 area codes to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers. Because more than one area code serves the same geographic region, the area code + 7-digit phone number must be used when dialing any phone number, including calls within the same area code.

No. You’ll continue dialing the area code for all calls. Your current area code + 7-digit phone 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 additional overlay. All local calls will remain local.

In addition to continuing to dial the area code + 7-digit phone number for all calls, you should also complete the following items:

• Continue to identify your phone number as a 10-digit number (area code + 7-digit phone number), and include the area code when giving your number to friends, family, business associates and customers.
• Ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 346 area code as a valid 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
• Double check your websites, business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information and your ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

You’ll continue to dial the area code + 7 digit phone number for all calls. The following items will not change:

• Your phone 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 local calls.
• 911 calls are not affected. Only three digits are required.
• If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community, you’ll still be able to call them by dialing just three digits.

Because four area codes (281, 713, 832 and the new 346) will serve the same geographic area, you’ll need to dial the area code + 7 digit phone number for all calls. If you have a 281, 713 or 832 area code, just continue to dial the area code + 7 digit phone number for all calls.

If you have any questions about the Texas 346 area code overlay, please contact us at (800) 922-0204.