The Louisiana Public Service Commission recently released a reminder about 10-digit dialing coming to the 318 area code overlay.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the addition of the new 457 area code to the existing 318 area code region which covers northern Louisiana, serving communities such as Alexandria, Bossier City, Monroe, Ruston and Shreveport, as well as many other smaller communities including Coshatta. 

The overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code but will require dialing the area code and the 7-digit telephone number to complete local calls. All customers with the 318 area code should prepare for 10-digit dialing and the introduction of the new 457 area code.

A six-month permissive dialing period began on Monday, February 24 to give customers adequate time to adjust to including the area code when making local calls. During this time, local calls can be made with either 7 or 10 digits.

Starting August 25 all local calls made within the 318 area code must be dialed using 10 digits (area code + the 7-digit telephone number). On and after this date, calls using just 7 digits will not be completed, and will be routed to an announcement.

Starting September 25, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers from the new 457 area code. The new 457 area code will co-exist everywhere in this region with the 318 area code. Anyone receiving a 457 number will also be required to dial 10 digits.

Key Facts:

• Current telephone numbers, including current area code, will not change.
• Dial the area code + telephone number for all local calls, including calls within the same area code.
• Continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number for 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 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 where available.

To prepare for the new dialing procedure you should include the area code when giving your number to friends, family, business associates and customers. You should also ensure all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to dial a 7-digit number are reprogrammed to include the area code and to recognize the new 457 area code as a valid area code including life-safety systems, medical monitoring devices, fire or burglar alarms, security systems, mobile phone contact lists, voicemail services, etc.

Contact your medical alert or security provider if you are not sure whether your equipment needs to be reprogrammed to accommodate the upcoming change to 10-digit local dialing. Any needed
reprogramming of such alarm and home security equipment must be done between February 24,
2025, and August 25, 2025.

Individuals and businesses should also update their websites, personal and business stationery, checks, advertising materials, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.