New area code could be know soon

A spokesman for the Iowa Utilities Board says they expect to learn soon the number for Iowa’s newest area code. The 3-1-9 area code in eastern Iowa is being split in two to create the new area code. Board spokesman Rob Hillesland says they’ve been getting a lot of calls asking about the new number.He says the plan has been submitted and the North American Numbering Plan Administrator and it could be a matter of days before they assign a new number. The new area code runs down the eastern edge of the state. Hillesland says they’ve already determined that callers will begin using the new number March 4 of 2001 and it will become mandatory in September. Hillesland says an education committee will decide if that’s enough time to implement the new area code.The board earlier split ups the 5-1-5 area code. Hillesland says the implementation of the new 6-4-1 area code has had a few glitches were some companies could not call into the new area. Hillesland says that is expected to work itself out.For more information on the change in area codes, visit the Board’s website at www.state.ia.us/iub.