New 872 Area Code and 11-Digit Dialing Arrive on November 7
On November 7, 2009, the City of Chicago will receive a new 872 area code overlaying the existing 773 and 312 area codes. Beginning early Saturday morning, November 7, all calls made within the 773, 312, and 872 area codes must be completed by dialing 1 plus the full 10-digit telephone number.
What will change:
- Calling off-campus will require dialing 9 + 1 + area code + telephone number
- Any abbreviated dials, speed dials, and call forwarding set on your desk phone will need to be modified, adding 1 + area code for off-campus numbers
- Faxes and modems calling off-campus using programs or numbers will need to be modified, adding 1 + area code
- Address books such as xMail, Outlook, Entourage, or other computer databases, which can be used to dial outbound calls, will need to be updated
- Security Systems dialing off-campus may need to be reprogrammed by the vendor
What will remain the same:
- 5-digit campus dialing will remain unchanged
- You will need to continue to dial 9 to get an outside line, before dialing 1 + area code + telephone number
- This will not affect cost-–all domestic calling is included in the FY2011 rate structure
Why do we need another area code?
A new area code is necessary because there are no more unassigned telephone numbers in the 312 and 773 areas. Over the past few years, there has been an explosive growth in many types of telecommunication devices; particularly in cellular phones and cellular data cards. For example, the number of cellular devices managed by the University has more than doubled in two years. Applying the area code as an overlay allows current 773 and 312 users to keep their current numbers.
What can I do to minimize the effect?
If there are certain local numbers you dial regularly, you may want to look into NSIT’s Abbreviated Dialing service. With Abbreviated Dial (on most campus phones), you can store up to 100 phone numbers and, at the press of a button, place a call to anyone regardless of area code. Instructions can be found on our Telephone website.
If you need help modifying previously stored Abbreviated Dial numbers on your phone, NSIT can assist in the modification. Please send an email to 29100@uchicago.edu listing the lines you want us to change and we’ll add the 1 + 773 to any existing seven-digit numbers.
Where can I get more information?
- For help with this or other telecommunication needs, please call 2-9100 or email 29100@uchicago.edu
- Review the AT&T publication, Introducing Chicago’s New Area Code 872
Last updated: 11/2/09