Greater Seattle Area Code Is Split for More Numbers

Because of the dramatic growth in demand for new telephone numbers, the existing Greater Seattle 206 area code split into three in April.

• Seattle stays 206

• Tacoma area is 253

• Everett/Bellevue area is 425

Campus Telephone Dialing

If your off-campus call was a local call before, it still will be. However, a new dialing format is required on campus now whenever you place a local call between area codes: you must dial "9 + area code + number." Calling from Seattle (206) to Everett (425), for example, requires dialing "9" plus all ten digits.

If you are not sure whether to dial "9" plus seven or ten digits, it does no harm to use all ten. Any local call can be dialed using "9" plus ten digits.

All long distance dialing procedures remain the same. When making long distance calls, continue to dial "1 + area code + number."

WARNING: When making local calls to a different area code, do not use the 1-plus dialing, as you will be billed long distance charges.

Area Code Information

• Area Code and Prefix Checker. Select the area code you are calling, type the three-digit prefix of the number, and click "Submit." You are told what city the number is in and the correct dialing format to use.

• Is This Number Still in 206? Type in the prefix for a number that you knew was in the 206 area code before the split. Click "Submit." You are told whether the area code is still the same or has been changed.