RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia’s 804 area code will soon have an additional area code, 686. When can Virginians expect the area code change to be in effect?
According to the State Corporation Commission (SCC), customers requesting a new service or additional phone lines in the 804 area code region could be assigned the new 686 area code as soon as Feb. 1.
The 686 area code will not be assigned until all 804 area codes have run out, which is expected to happen in the third quarter of 2024.
In Nov. 2022, the SCC approved a proposal by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator that would allow the new 686 area code to be used in the same geographical area as 804.
The new area code will cover several parts of Central Virginia and the Northern Neck. While many areas will be affected, some of the major nearby areas, including:
- The City of Richmond
- The City of Petersburg
- The Town of Ashland
- Charles City County
- Chesterfield County
- Henrico County
- New Kent County
According to SCC, the new area code will address the exhaustion of 804 area code phone numbers caused by an increased demand for phone lines. The relief provided by “686” is expected to last about 32 years.
Existing customers will keep their 804 area code and seven-digit telephone number. The price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services will not change after the 686 area code is implemented.
The SCC encourages consumers in the 804 area code region to make sure all services, automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment will recognize the new 686 area code. Consumers are also advised to store and program telephone numbers as 10-digits.