502 gets a friend: new area code coming to Louisville region
– 2 min read
The Kentucky Public Service Commission announced today that the Louisville metro area and Frankfort will receive a new area code in 2027.
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Well friends, the time has come- the 502 area code is running out of available numbers and soon a new area code will be taking its place.
Area code 761 will serve as an overlay to the existing 502 area code. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) estimates that 502 area code numbers will be exhausted during the third quarter of 2027. Once that happens, new customers in the region will be assigned numbers with the 761 area code, while existing 502 numbers will remain unchanged.
What does this mean for current 502 area codes?
Nothing big... except now you have to use all ten digits when making calls (you won't be able to skip the 502).
The 502 area code holds special significance in Kentucky's telecommunications history. It's one of the original area codes established with the North American Numbering Plan in 1947 and initially served the entire state of Kentucky before being divided as the state's population grew.
Why an overlay instead of a split?
The Public Service Commission chose the overlay method after holding public comment meetings and determining it would be the most efficient and cost-effective solution. Kentucky has previously split area codes twice in the past 30 years, but the overlay approach allows existing customers to keep their numbers while providing new ones for future users.
Industry guidelines recommend implementing overlay area codes at least six months before the existing code is exhausted. While 761 will likely begin assignment in 2027, a specific launch date hasn't been set yet.
When will we need another area code?
NANPA estimates that adding the 761 area code will provide sufficient phone numbers for north-central Kentucky for approximately 30 years. This projection accounts for continued population growth and the increasing demand for phone numbers driven by mobile devices, businesses, and other telecommunications needs.
PS- good for you if you secured what will some day be known as a special/vintage/original Louisville area code!
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