DC Gets 771 Area Code Overlay for 202
The District of Columbia’s new area code is 771. It will overlay the entire 202 area code, the D.C. Public Service Commission said Tuesday.
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The PSC confirmed a 13-month implementation schedule, including six months for network preparation, six months of customer education and one month -- after a permissive dialing period ends -- when ten-digit dialing becomes mandatory. The agency established a working group to educate consumers.
“The 202 area code has been part of D.C. culture for over 50 years and it is not going away,” said Chairman Willie Phillips. “However, we stand ready to assist in a smooth transition to the added 771 area code.”
D.C. Commissioners voted 2-0 last week to approve the request by the North American numbering plan administrator for the overlay and required 10-digit dialing.