Residents and businesses in the 507 area code, which includes cities like Rochester, Faribault, Owatonna, Mankato, and Winona, will need to switch to 10-digit dialing starting July 30th. This change is necessary because the 507 area code is projected to run out of numbers by early 2025, prompting the addition of a new 924 area code.
**Key Changes:**
– **New Dialing Routine**: Starting July 30, everyone in the 507 area code must dial the area code plus the phone number for all calls, even local ones.
– **Call Failures**: If you forget and dial just the seven-digit number, the call won’t go through. Instead, you’ll receive a recording instructing you to redial using the full 10 digits.
– **New Area Code**: Beginning August 30, 2024, new phone numbers in the region may be assigned the 924 area code.
**Who’s Affected?**
– Everyone living or working in the 507 area code, covering major cities and surrounding areas in southern Minnesota.
**What Remains Unchanged?**
– Your current phone number and area code won’t change.
– Call prices, coverage, and local call status will stay the same.
– Three-digit numbers for emergency services like 911 and 988 will still work as usual.