New 483 Area Code Prompts Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing in 334

On Jan. 10 the Alabama Public Service Commission urged customers in the 334 area code region to begin 10-digit dialing ahead of two scheduled changes designed to preserve telephone number supply. The commission said mandatory 10-digit dialing will take effect Jan. 23, 2026, and a new 483 area code overlay for the 334 region is scheduled to be implemented Feb. 23, 2026.

The overlay adds a new area code to the same geographic region served by 334 to prevent number shortages that are projected to occur by the third quarter of 2026. Communities served by 334 include Prattville and other central and southeast Alabama cities such as Selma, Montgomery, Auburn, Opelika and Dothan. For Autauga County residents, including Prattville and nearby communities, the primary change will be the requirement to include the area code on all local calls.

The commission noted a permissive 10-digit dialing window will allow customers to adjust before the Jan. 23 mandatory start date. Existing telephone service will not be interrupted; current 334 numbers will remain the same. New customers or those requesting an additional line may be assigned numbers with the new 483 area code once the overlay is activated. Three-digit service numbers such as 911 will not change.

Local impact will be practical and administrative. Households should update contact lists, mobile and landline speed dials, and any programmed devices that automatically place calls. Businesses and public agencies need to verify phone system settings, auto-dialers, alarm and security services, medical alert devices, and printed materials that display phone numbers to ensure continued connectivity. Election offices, municipal services and nonprofit organizations that communicate by phone will need to confirm outreach tools and voter contact lists reflect the dialing change.

The commission approved the overlay on March 6, 2024, to address long-term numbering needs. With mandatory 10-digit dialing imminent, residents and organizations in Autauga County should act now to test dialing practices and reprogram systems so service remains seamless when the new area code is brought into use.