In March 2005, Mississippi will receive its fourth area code. This new area

code will overlay the existing 601 area code region. Because both area codes

will work in the same geographic region, 10-digit dialing - the area code plus

the 7-digit telephone number - will be necessary for all local and expanded

local calls to complete properly.


All customers in the 601 area code region will be affected by 10-digit

dialing. Because this service is provided from BellSouth facilities

within Mississippi's 601 region, you will also need to dial 10 digits to

complete all local and expanded local calls. It includes local and expanded

local calls that you make in your own area code. Also note that existing

telephone numbers will not change, only the way you dial the calls.


Beginning March 14, 2005, 10-digit dialing will be mandatory. Local

calling and rates will not be affected by this change. It will not be

necessary to dial "0" when dialing local and expanded local calls.

Special services like 911, 411, etc. as well as 1 + 10-digit long distance

numbers remain unchanged.


For more information, visit http://www.bellsouth.com/areacode/769/.




I HEARD THIS WAS DUE TO CONGESTION IN HATTIESBURG'S LINES. COULD IT BE THAT ALL OF THAT MONITORING EQUIPMENT HAS SLOWED DOWN ACTIVITIES??