What is the new 436 area code overlay?
Given the high demand of phone numbers in the area, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has added a new 436 area code to supplement the existing 440 area code. This new area code is scheduled to go live on March 1, 2024.
What is an area code overlay?
Periodically, local public service commissions will implement new area codes to help increase the volume of local phone numbers available in a specific region.
Area code overlays are exciting because they usually signal growth in a region. Due to high volumes of households and businesses requiring phone numbers in the region, the need for an overlay can emerge.
In case you’re wondering (or want to possibly win a question at your local trivia night), U.S. phone numbers are overseen by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator.
Where is the new 436 area code located and who is affected?
The new 436 area code is meant to supplement the existing 440 area code, and so it will serve the same geographic area. This includes (but is not limited to) Ashtabula, Eastlake, Elyria, Lorain, Mentor, North Olmsted, North Ridgeville, North Royalton, Parma, Solon, Strongsville, Westlake, and Willoughby.
If I’m based in Ohio and I already have a 440 area code, am I affected?
No, this overlay does not directly affect you. The area code overlay simply increases the total supply of available phone numbers; it does not modify existing ones.
When does the new 436 area code go into effect?
Starting on March 1, 2024, the new 436 area code will be available to supplement the existing 440 area code. Both new subscribers and existing customers who are adding new lines will be able to select a 436 area code.
What is changing for me?
The 436 area code will work just like any other area code. If you are an existing customer in the 440 area code and you are not adding any new lines to your phone plans, nothing will change for you in the immediate future.
Starting March 1, 2024, anyone setting up a new phone line in the 440 area will now have the option to pick a 436 phone number. After that date, you may start to see 436 phone numbers pop up around you.
What do I need to do?
Nothing is needed from you now. After March 1, 2024, you may start to see local businesses and personal contacts with phone numbers that have a 436 area code.
As with any area code, make sure to dial “1” before the ten-digit phone number to make a call.