New Area Code Launches in Colorado
Residents in Colorado will notice a new area code joining the existing one as the 748 area code officially commences on July 7. This area code will coexist with the current 970 area code, which covers a broad expanse from the northern Eastern Plains through to the Western Slope. Excitement and surprise were palpable among residents from cities such as Aspen, Breckenridge, Fort Collins, and Grand Junction.
Joanelle Morales, from Grand Junction, expressed her initial reactions while strolling with her husband. “It’s different. It rolls off my tongue differently,” she commented, revealing her mixed feelings about the change. “I mean, area codes have meaning. Like, when I see 970, I think immediately, ‘Here.’”
Customer Impact and Dialing Changes
Daryl Branson, Telecom Section Chief for the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, reassured residents that existing phone numbers with the 970 area code will remain unchanged. “There isn’t a whole lot of impact to the consumer. If you already have a 970 area code phone number, that does not change,” he stated. This alteration mainly pertains to newly issued phone numbers in the specified region.
Despite the addition of the 748 area code, there will be no alterations to call prices, rates, or services. However, residents utilizing landline phones in impacted areas can expect some adjustments in dialing protocols:
- Local calls will require a full 10-digit dialing format (area code + phone number).
- Long-distance calls necessitate dialing 1 followed by the 10-digit number.
- Emergency numbers such as 911 or 988 can still be dialed using just three digits.
Branson noted that previously, some landline users may have enjoyed seven-digit dialing for local calls. However, that convenience will be discontinued with the arrival of the new overlay area code. “That doesn’t work anymore if there are multiple area codes,” he explained.
The Need for Additional Area Codes
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) initiated the area code change by filing a petition with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, forecasting that 970 numbers might run out by the end of this year or early 2026 due to various factors, including population growth and increased demand for additional phone lines. Branson attributed the eventual necessity of new area codes to:
- Rising population in the region.
- Businesses requiring more phone numbers.
- Individuals holding multiple phone lines for work and personal use.
Implementation Timeline
A timeline for the implementation involves a nine-month preparation period for telecom service providers to adjust their equipment, with new 748 numbers potentially being issued starting on July 7. However, Branson emphasized that these numbers won’t be immediately available. The 748 area codes will only be assigned once the 970 area codes are completely exhausted, likely sometime late this year or early next year.
Future of the 748 Area Code
This new addition to Colorado’s area codes is expected to last around 38 years. The 748 area code is the second such introduction in Colorado since 2021, following the introduction of the 983 area code in the Denver metro area in June 2022.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Area Code | 748 |
| Effective Date | July 7 |
| Existing Area Code | 970 |
| Dialing Changes | 10-digit dialing for local calls |
| Expected Lifespan | 38 years |
