ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Come June 14, 2023 Maryland residents will notice some local phone numbers starting with a 227 area code.
That's because the remaining lines starting with area codes 240 and 301 have begun running out.
Impacted counties may include Allegany, Anne Arundel, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and Washington.
Those already with a 240 or 301 area code will not see any change to their phone number.
The process for dialing or making outgoing calls will also remain the same. As usual, just punch in all 10 numbers including the area code to connect.
There are only a couple exceptions — for toll calls you would hit one before dialing the rest of the number and for collect you would first dial zero.
Here is a list of other tips to prepare for the eventual 227 area code:
- Checking devices to verify that area codes are included with all stored numbers.
- Continuing to program/save/store phone numbers to all devices using the full 10-digit telephone number.
- Verifying that all services and equipment – such as automatic dialers, life-safety & medical alert systems, alarm/security systems and security gates, call-forwarding settings and voicemail services – recognize the new area code as a valid phone number.
