Residents of Webster Parish and other northern Louisiana communities will be required to use 10-digit dialing for all local calls beginning Monday, August 25, as part of a statewide change to prepare for a new area code.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved adding the 457 area code to the region currently served by 318, which covers cities such as Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria and Ruston, along with surrounding rural areas. The change, known as an overlay, will allow new numbers to be issued without changing existing ones.
Since February 24, callers have been able to use either 7- or 10-digit dialing during a transition period. After August 25, calls made with only 7 digits may not be completed and will receive a recording instructing callers to hang up and try again with the area code.
On September 25, new telephone lines or services may begin receiving numbers with the 457 area code. Both 318 and 457 numbers will require dialing the area code plus the 7-digit number for local calls.
Local call boundaries, call costs and three-digit services such as 911 and 988 will not change. Long-distance calls will continue to require dialing 1 plus the area code and number.
Residents and businesses are advised to update equipment and services that use 7-digit dialing, including alarm systems, fax machines, medical monitoring devices, speed dial lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and any automated calling systems. Stationery, checks, advertising materials and ID tags should also be updated to include the area code.
For more information, residents can contact the Louisiana Public Service Commission or visit its website.