East Tennessee Adds 729 Area Code to Meet Growing Demand

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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn.—According to the Tennessee Public Utilities Commission, a new telephone area code, 729, will soon join the existing 423 area code serving a portion of East Tennessee, including Greene County. This addition is necessary to meet the growing demand for new telephone lines.

Background and Need

The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) forecasted the need for relief in the 423 area code in November 2022. The 423 area code is projected to run out of available numbers by the third quarter of 2025. The Tennessee Public Utilities Commission approved the new 729 area code earlier this year to address this issue.

Implementation of the Overlay

Adding the new area code is known as an "overlay." This means that the 729 area code will cover the same geographic region as the 423 area code, ensuring that residents and businesses can access a sufficient supply of telephone numbers. Current customers will retain their 423 area code, but new customers or additional lines may be assigned the 729 area code once it becomes active.

Changes to Dialing Procedures

Starting August 5, 2024, residents in the 423 area code region will need to use 10-digit dialing—comprising the area code and the seven-digit phone number—for all calls, including local ones. Calls with only seven digits will continue until February 5, 2025. After this date, calls made without the area code will not be completed, and a recorded message will instruct the caller to redial using the full 10-digit number.

From March 5, 2025, new telephone numbers may be assigned the 729 area code. Users with the new 729 numbers must also use 10-digit dialing.

What Stays the Same

Despite these changes, several aspects will remain unaffected:

• Current telephone numbers, including the 423 area code, will remain unchanged.
• The overlay will not change the cost of calls, coverage areas, and other rates and services.
• Local calls will remain local, regardless of the number of digits dialed.
• Three-digit numbers for emergency services (911 and 988) and other special services (211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811) will still be dialed as usual.

Preparing for the Change

Customers must reprogram any services or equipment that dial only seven-digit numbers to include the area code. This includes life safety systems, fire or burglar alarms, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, and mobile phone contact lists. Additionally, updates to personal and business stationery, advertising materials, and other items should reflect the full 10-digit number.

Residents can contact their local service provider or visit the Tennessee Public Utilities Commission’s website for more information.