New area code, more dialing in store for Chicagoans

Another one?

Chicagoans will soon see a third area code added for local phone numbers, meaning everyone will have to dial 11 digits to make a call anywhere in the city.

The Illinois Commerce Commission announced Monday that the city, presently served by area codes 312 and 773, will receive a third area code this fall. The 872 area code will “overlay” the existing codes to supplement the phone number supply, according to a release from the ICC.

The 773 area code officially reached “exhaust” in late July and though individual numbers remain available, there are no more unassigned prefixes available, the release said. The first prefix in the new area code will go into service on Nov 7.

With the 872 area code, current customers will keep their numbers and 312 or 773 area codes. The new area code is being introduced to assure a continuing supply of prefixes and blocks to assign to new and growing telecommunications service providers, the release said. Consumers seeking additional phone lines will, in most cases, be able to receive 312 and 773.

I still have the magnet on my refrigerator from Ameritech when the 773 area code was created.