ALERT: EAST TN GETS A NEW AREA CODE, YOU WILL DIAL TEN DIGITS FOR LOCAL CALLS

East Tennessee will soon have another new area code, and it’s going to add three more digits to many people’s local calls.

The new area code, 729, is being added to the 423 area code region. That includes several counties– including Morgan, Scott, Campbell, Claiborne, Hancock, Hawkins, Hamblen, Greene, Cocke, Monroe, McMinn, Rhea and Meigs counties. It also includes the Moores Camp and Fork Mountain portions of Anderson County, as well as the Chattanooga and Johnson City areas.

For people with 423 area codes — nothing is changing with your number. The Tennessee Public Utility Commission said the new 729 area code was needed because the 423 area code is projected to run out of numbers by the end of 2025. New numbers in those regions will be assigned to the 729 area code once it is activated.

For people who live in the 423 region, the new 729 area code means you will soon have to dial the full 10-digit number to complete all local calls. Starting Aug. 5, local telecommunication providers are asking people to get in the habit of dialing 10 digits. TDS Telecommunications said 7-digit calls will still work for 6 more months from that date.

On Feb. 5, 2025, TDS said people will need to dial the 423 or 729 area code to co

mplete all local calls. If you try to dial 7 digits on or after that date, the call won’t go through and you’ll hear a message.