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different area codes - 651 and 612:
The 651 area code will serve St. Paul and the communities of Arden Hills, Eagan,
Forest Lake, Farmington, Hastings, Roseville, Lindstrom, Lino Lakes, Mendota Heights,
New Brighton, North Branch, Rosemount, Shoreview and other communities to the east,
including Red Wing and Wabasha.
The 612 area code will be kept by Minneapolis and the communities of Apple Valley,
Blaine, Bloomington, Burnsville, Columbia Heights, Fridley Lakeville, Mounds View,
Richfield and other communities to the west now served by the 612 area
code.
The 218, 320, and 507 area codes will not change.
During a six month transition period between July 12, 1998 and January 10, 1999, callers
will be able to use either the new or old area code to complete a call. Mandatory use of the
new 651 area code will begin on January 10, 1999.
The addition of the 651 area code will change the way local telephone calls are made
between the 612 and 651 area codes. To make a local call between area codes, it will be
necessary to dial ten digits - the area code plus the seven-digit phone number. During the
transition period, callers can dial either seven or ten digits to place a local call. On
January 10, 1999 ten-digit dialing becomes mandatory for local calls between the 612 and
651 area codes.
New area codes being assigned across the country, like Minnesota's 651 area code, use a
different numbering format than in the past - when all area codes had a "0" or "1" as the
middle digit. Businesses that use specialized telephone equipment (often called PBXs),
electronic telephone sets, auto-dial systems or multi-line ley systems must ensure their
equipment will complete calls into the 651 area code.
Also, business in the Twin Cities local calling area must be sure their telephone
equipment is capable of completing a ten-digit local call. Contact your telephone system
vendor or consultant to ask about the need to make changes.
In addition, if your business will have a new area code, you must change your area code
on such things as stationary, business cards, labels, signs, advertisements, promotional
items, brochures, catalogs etc. Also, notify your customers, clients and others who call
you of your new area code. And, to ensure you will not miss any calls, remind your
customers throughout the U.S. and the world of the possible need to make changes to
their telephone equipment.
Additional information is available at the following web sites: www.mnta.org or
www.uswest.com/areacodes.