On February 24th a new area 457 area code was introduced in north Louisiana and with it changes that are in store, primarily that callers with a 318 area code will be eventually required to dial 10‐digits, rather than 7‐digits, when making local calls.

Below are a few answers to questions that have been presented.

Why is this change being made? To ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers, a new 457 area code was added to the area served by 318.

What is the timeline in place for dialing changes to be completed?
• Beginning February 2‌4, 2025, you should begin dialing 10‐digits (area code + phone number) for all local calls. If you forget and dial just 7‐digits, your call will still be completed.
• Beginning August 2‌5, 2025, you must dial 10‐digits for all local calls. Local calls dialed with only 7‐digits may not be completed.
• Beginning September 2‌5, 2025, new phone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 457 area code.

What do I need to do?
In addition to changing the way you dial local calls, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other equipment programmed with a 7‐digit number must be reprogrammed to complete calls to 10‐digit numbers. Some examples are mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail settings, life safety systems or medical devices, alarm and security systems or gates, and fax machines. Be sure to check your personal checks, contact information, and your personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

What will remain the same?
• Your phone number, including your current area code, won’t change.
• The price of a call, coverage area, and other rates and services won’t change.
• Calls now considered local will remain local calls regardless of the number of digits dialed.
• 3‐digit dialing of emergency and information numbers like “211” and “911” will remain the same.
• Long‐distance and toll calls still require dialing 1 + area code + phone number.