New area code number is 6-4-1

The new area code in Iowa will carry the number 6-4-1. The Iowa Utilities Board voted earlier this year to split off a portion of the 5-1-5 area code into a new code to meet a growing demand for new phone numbers. The 5-1-5 area code covers the middle third of the state. Utilities Board spokesman Chuck Seel says the North American Number Plan Administrator chose the new number. Seel says the board is still in the 20-day comment period on the change. The board proposed that the new area code be phased in beginning in June, with a mandatory use date of September 1st. He says innitial comments on the proposal show that date might have to be moved back to give the phone companies more time to adjust. Seel says releasing the new number is important as it allows businesses to get started with changing over stationary and other information.The area code system began in 1947 and Seel says this is the first time Iowa’s had a change from its orginal three area codes.The new area code will include Mason City, Marshaltown, Newton, Ottumwa, Creston and Guthrie Center.