DETROIT (WWJ) – Detroit may soon be more than just “the 313,” as plans are underway to add an area code for the city.
The Michigan Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 9 to talk about the new 679 area code, which is expected to go into effect in 2025. The hearing will allow people to comment on the proposed area code.
Detroit's 313 area code is expected to run out of telephone numbers sometime in the next two years, so the additional number is needed, according to the MPSC.
The current well-known 313 numbers, beloved by many, will remain in place while new phone customers in Detroit and some of the suburbs will be given numbers with the 679 area code, given the plan moves forward, the MPSC announced back in January.
Speaking live on WWJ Sunday afternoon, Ryan McAnany, Telecommunications Director for the MPSC explained why this problem has arisen. In part, it's the advancement of technology, with cell phones, tablets and other auto-dialing systems.
"Folks, when they get text messages, let's say from their pharmacies, their doctors offices confirming appointments, all those devices need a telephone number, and that's what's really exhausting this area code," McAnany said.
The 313 area code currently covers Detroit, its enclaves Hamtramck and Highland Park, and the suburbs of Allen Park, Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, Ecorse, the Grosse Pointes, Inkster, Lincoln Park, Redford Township, River Rouge and Taylor.
Besides having two area codes serving these towns, adding the 679 overlay also will require phone users to include area codes for local calls within and between the two area codes — meaning everyone with a 313 or 679 phone number will have to dial at least 10 digits, even for local calls.
These calls will continue to be billed as local calls. This change will require the reprogramming of some devices such as auto dialing equipment, medical devices and home security systems to accommodate the additional digits if that equipment is currently programmed to only dial 7 digits.
McAnany encouraged anyone who has concerns over the proposed area code change to attend this week's public meeting.
The Thursday hearing is scheduled for 1:30-3 p.m. at Wayne County Community College District’s downtown campus, in the Frank Hayden Community Room #236, at 1001 W. Fort Street in Detroit. An administrative law judge will conduct the hearing, and MPSC Staff will provide a presentation outlining the issue.
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