New 448 Area Code Coming To The 850, But A Mandatory Change To How You Dial Has Been Delayed.

February 17, 2021

A new area code is coming to Northwest Florida, but a mandatory change in how you dial has been delayed for three months.

The current 850 area code will run out of available phone numbers in early 2022, and state regulators approved the addition of the 448 area code to alleviate the number crunch. The new area code covers the same geographic area as the current 850 area code, which includes Escambia County to Tallahassee.

The new area code will mean a change in how Northwest Florida residents and businesses make calls. Since last August, callers have been able to use 7-digits or 10-digits (the area code plus the number) when calling. A mandatory switch to using 10-digits was set to begin on Saturday, February 20, but that’s now been delayed until May 22, 2021.

The delay is due to COVID-19 and companies and alarm companies in Pensacola needing more time to reprogram systems for 10-digit dialing.

The earliest date someone may receive a number with the new 448 area code will be in June.

Here are some other quick facts about the new 448 area code:

  • Your current telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
  • You will need to dial area code + telephone number for all local calls.
  • You will continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number for all long distance calls.
  • What is a local call now will remain a local call.
  • The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
  • You can still dial just three digits to reach 911. You can also dial three digits to reach 211 and 811, as well as 311 and 511, where available.
  • Telephone customers should remember to include their area code (3-digit area code + 7-digit telephone number) when giving their number to friends, family, business associates, and customers.
  • Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 448 area code as a valid area code, and should continue to program 10-digit telephone numbers.

Comments

14 Responses to “New 448 Area Code Coming To The 850, But A Mandatory Change To How You Dial Has Been Delayed.”

  1. Darren  on February 25th, 2021 5:17 pm

    I can’t believe how many of ya’ll can’t read & understand this story…448 will overlay 850…not replace it…U keep your 850 as long as u want, eventually new numbers will get 448…

  2. Roberta Ates on February 20th, 2021 11:51 am

    When we will we know if our 850 area code will change?

  3. Christy on February 18th, 2021 10:19 pm

    My Aunt lives in Athens, Ga and they have had to use the 10 digit number as long as I can remember. Anyone I call is already logged into to my cell phone with the area code. What’s the big deal?

  4. Scott on February 18th, 2021 12:04 pm

    With so many cell phones and VoIP phone services I’d think the majority of people are already in the habit of using 10 digits. Even if they still have a copper land line it should be a quick adjustment.

  5. Elle Spriggs on February 18th, 2021 8:00 am

    I’m getting too old for another area code change in the same area! And it isn’t even a clean sweep…more technical and confusing. BTW – lol paul!! I get the reference…

  6. paul on February 17th, 2021 11:59 pm

    “Hello..?”
    “Yes, a collect call for Mrs. Floyd from Mr. Floyd.
    Will you accept the charges from United States?”
    [clunk! of phone being put down]
    “Oh, He hung up! That’s your residence, right? I wonder why he hung up?
    Is there supposed to be someone else there besides your wife there to answer?”
    [Phone rings again...clunk of receiver being picked up]
    “Hello?”
    “This is United States calling, are we reaching…
    GOT TO DIAL THE NEW AREA CODE + THE NUMBER

  7. Beulah Boy on February 17th, 2021 7:56 pm

    Atlanta and metro has 4 area codes, so they have to dial all 10 digits alot. I know we are not as large as Atlanta but many cities have 2 or more.
    It will take a while to adjust to it.

  8. Vmullen on February 17th, 2021 5:30 pm

    The new area code will only affect new numbers

  9. paw paw on February 17th, 2021 3:42 pm

    Mary, you are correct.

  10. CJ on February 17th, 2021 3:35 pm

    If they would stop selling numbers to the millions of telemarketers there wouldn’t be a issue with lack of numbers.

  11. Mary H Bourgeois on February 17th, 2021 3:15 pm

    I am understanding that new service persons will have the new 448 . People with 850 area code will not change. Correct?

  12. jacob on February 17th, 2021 11:21 am

    i needs to stay 850

  13. Reader on February 17th, 2021 10:55 am

    “I’m confused. If all they are doing is changing the area code from 850 to 448 for”

    Read it again.

    Look for clues like “the addition of”, “the new area code”, “a new area code” and “will not change” at least two times.

    Reading comprehension is important.

  14. Jerry on February 17th, 2021 10:51 am

    I’m confused. If all they are doing is changing the area code from 850 to 448 for the exact same area that the 850 covers, how is that going to create the availability of new phone numbers?

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive