New Area Code News Release
From Texas Public Utility Commission

Contact:
Betsy Tyson 512-936-7132
Terry Hadley 512-936-7135
Pager: 512-322-1457

Austin, TX, September 20, 1999 –Starting Feb. 1, 2000 Southeast Texas will have two new area codes in addition to area code 409. This is the first area code change for the region since 1983. These become the 19th and 20th area codes in Texas. (Area Codes)

The western region, which includes Bryan-College Station and Freeport, will have 979. The central region, which includes Conroe and Nacogdoches, will have 936. The eastern region, which includes Beaumont and Galveston, will retain 409. All Southeast Texans must continue to use area code 409 until February, 2000.

Beginning Feb. 1, customers located in or calling someone in area code 979 or 936 can begin dialing the new area code. From Feb. 1 to Aug. 4, either area code 409 or the new area code can be used. However, the PUC suggests that everyone begin using the new area code as soon as it is available to get in the habit of using the area code before the switchover deadline.

On Aug. 6, 2000 the new area codes must be used. From Aug. 6 through Oct. 7, 2000 anyone dialing a business or residence in area code 979 or 936 will receive a recorded reminder to dial the new area code. Beginning Oct. 8, 2000, anyone dialing the wrong area code will reach either a non-working number or wrong number.

Those who will be assigned a new area code should reprogram cell phones, pagers, fax machines and speed calling lists after Feb. 1, 2000. Advertisements, business cards, and checks should also reflect the new area code.

Among cities to be served by area code 979 will be Bryan-College Station, Clute-Lake Jackson, Brenham, Matagorda and Franklin. Among cities to be served by 936 will be Conroe, San Augustine, Huntsville, Nacogdoches and Lufkin. Remaining in area code 409, the most populous region, will be Beaumont, Galveston, Texas City-LaMarque and Silsbee.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
September 20, 1999
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