NOTE: If you have not already done so, familiarize yourself with the “number exhaust” issue before proceeding further. Click here for an explanation of the number exhaust issue as it impacts the 918 area code

An Area Code “Overlay” would take the present geographic region served by the 918 area code and simply add another, new area code to the region.

Existing 918 area code customers would keep their current area code. New customers and those who want new or additional telephone numbers would be given the new area code. Telephone Service Providers that still have existing 918 area code numbers in their inventory, that are available for assignment, can assign those numbers to their customers as needed. The North American Number Plan Administrator is responsible for choosing the new area code.

The biggest change is that all local calls will be dialed using 10 digits.(The area code, the prefix, and the remaining four digits). Long distance calls would continue to be dialed using 1 + (The area code, the prefix, and the remaining four digits), as they are today.

It is important to note, however, that this would not change the boundaries for local calls. So long as the number you call is within your local calling area as it existed before the overlay, it would remain a local call, and you would not incur a long distance charge, even if the number you’re calling has the new area code.

For more detailed information click here.