Ohio 614 / 380 Area Code Overlay FAQs

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code. You won't have to change your existing area code or phone number, but it does require you to dial or enter the area code and the 7-digit number for all calls. In Ohio, the 380 area code is being added to the area served by the 614 area code.

Anyone who has a phone number with a 614 area code is affected, as well as anyone that receives a phone number from the 380 area code in the future. The 614 area code covers the Columbus area in central Ohio, serving communities such as:

• Alton
• Columbus
  
• Dublin
  
• Gahanna
  
• Grove City
  
• Hilliard
• Reynoldsburg
• Westerville

The 380 area code will cover the same geographic area as the 614 area code. The map below shows the 614 / 380 overlay area.

The new 380 area code is being added to the geographic area served by the 614 area code. Because more than one area code will serve the same geographic area, if you have a 614 or 380 phone number, you'll need to enter the area code for all calls — including calls within the same area code. To complete local calls from a phone with a 614 or 380 area code, the new calling procedure requires you to enter the area code and 7-digit phone number.

Beginning August 1, 2015, if you have a 614 area code, you should start entering the area code for all calls. There will be a grace period, so if you forget and enter just 7 digits during the grace period, your call will still be completed.

Beginning January 30, 2016, if you have a 614 area code, the new calling procedure will be required for all calls. On or after this date, if you don't use the new calling procedure, your call won't be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

Beginning February 27, 2016, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 380 area code. If you have a 380 area code, you must enter the area code and 7-digit phone number on all calls or the call won't be completed.

The 380 area code is being added to the area served by the 614 area code to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers. Because more than one area code will now serve the same geographic region, the area code and phone number must be used when calling any phone number, including calls within the same area code.

No. The only change is entering the area code for all calls. Your current area code and phone number will not change. The price of a call, your plan and coverage area, and other rates and services won't change because of the overlay. All local calls will remain local, regardless of the number of digits entered.

In addition to entering the area code and phone number for all calls, you should also complete the following items:

• Update any pre-programmed 7-digit phone numbers in your mobile device to include the area code, as well as any text or email alert services.


• Re-program all services and devices that utilize a 7-digit phone number to include the area code, including automatic dialing equipment. Other examples include:
  
  
  • Life safety systems and medical monitoring devices
  • 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, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information and your personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

The following items will remain the same and won't 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, regardless of the number of digits entered


• 911 calls are not affected, only 3 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 entering just 3 digits

Because two area codes (614 and 380) will serve the same geographic area, if you have a 614 or 380 area code, you'll need to enter the area code and phone number for all calls.

If you have any questions about the 614 / 380 area code overlay, please contact us at (800) 922-0204. You can also visit the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio website at www.puco.ohio.gov for further information.