May 9, 2000

It was just a few years ago that Utah added the 435 area code for all parts of the state except the Wasatch Front. Now, another area code is coming as soon as at the end of this year.

Utah County is one of four counties to get a new area code come December 31st. The digits will be 385 and that number will serve Utah, Davis, Weber and Morgan Counties.

Adding area codes is a directive from the Federal Communications Commission. Basically, it's happening all over the country because cities and towns are running out of numbers.

As we mentioned, 385 will serve four counties, 801 will remain for Salt Lake County, and the rest of the state is still 435.

For business owners it means more expenses, for residents more confusion, at least in the early going.

Garry Carlson/Business Manager: "PRINT NEW STATIONERY, BUSINESS CARDS AND FORMAT.. IT'S KIND OF ANNOYING."

Cindy Walker/Resident: "I'M HAVING A HARD ENOUGH TIME KEEPING STRAIGHT THE AREAS AS IT IS. WHAT IS 435 AND WHAT IS 801."

Stephen Mecham/Public Service Commission: "LINES DEDICATED TO INTERNET, LINES DEDICATED TO FAX NUMBERS, PAGERS AND WIRELESS PHONES."

) So, come December, the new area code is in place and there will be a grace period where you can dial 385 or the old area codes.

Certainly you're wondering about long distance and any changes there. Basically, if it's a local call now for you, it'll still be a local call with the new area code. Same for long distance. If it's long distance now, it'll be long distance come December.