We wanted to remind everyone about a change in phone service that we first reported in April. To ensure new telephone numbers are available, the Tennessee Public Utility Commission has approved the addition of the new 729 area code to the geographic region served by the 423 area code. This process is known as an area code overlay. The change will begin this August. This change is for new residents only. Some phone lines have already been given the new code.
Counties in Tennessee within area code 729 include:
Bledsoe County, Bradley County, Campbell County, Carter County, Claiborne County, Cocke County, Greene County, Hamblen County, Hamilton County, Hancock County, Hawkins County, Johnson County, Marion County, McMinn County, Meigs County, Monroe County, Morgan County, Polk County, Rhea County, Roane County, Scott County, Sequatchie County, Sullivan County, Unicoi County, and Washington County.
 What is an area code overlay?
An overlay is the addition of another area code (729) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (423). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code but does require using a new dialing procedure to complete calls.
Who will be affected?
Anyone with a 423 area code will be affected. The 423 area code covers two non-contiguous regions in eastern Tennessee, serving communities such as Chattanooga, Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, as well as many other smaller communities. The new 729 area code will serve the same geographic region currently served by the existing 423 area code.
What will be the new dialing procedure?
All calls in the 423 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using the area code + 7-digit telephone number. The same dialing procedure will apply to telephone numbers that are assigned in the new 729 area code.
When will the dialing change begin?
Effective August 5, 2024, dial the area code + telephone number whenever you place a call, including calls within your same area code. If you forget and dial just seven digits, your call will still be completed. Beginning February 5, 2025, you must dial the area code + telephone number on all calls, including calls within your same area code. On and after this date, if you do not dial the area code + telephone number, your call will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again, including the area code.
What will change?
- Dial the area code + telephone number for local calls.
- All services, automatic dialing equipment, or other equipment programmed to dial a 7-digit number will need to be reprogrammed to include the area code. Some examples include life safety systems and medical monitoring devices, fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, contact lists in wireless or mobile phones, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions, etc.
- Update your websites, personal and business stationery and checks, advertising materials, personal and pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.
What will remain the same?
- Your telephone number, including the current area code.
- The overlay does not affect the price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services.
- What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
- You can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 if they are available in your area.
 Who may you contact with questions?
If you have any questions regarding the information provided in this notice, please contact your local service provider for more information.
