Kentucky officials are considering next steps as 502 area code phone numbers are running short, officials from the Public Service Commission announced in a news release May 12.
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator, or NANPA, has notified officials that 502 area code numbers are projected to run out by the third quarter of 2027, according to the release. Residents of north central Kentucky are now invited to give their insights at public meetings as officials plot how to move forward.
A new area code should be implemented about six months before 502 area code numbers are exhausted, said Sheri Mahan, a spokesperson for the Public Service Commission.
NANPA recommended the Public Service Commission implement an “overlay,” which would create a new area code for new phone numbers issued in the geographic region. Another option is a “geographic split,” which would divide the current geographic region, with one of the newly formed regions getting a new area code and the other retaining current 502 area code.
If implemented, the overlay plan would require callers to dial a 10-digit number for all local calls instead of a seven-digit number, Mahan said. Businesses and residents could also have to update contact lists, business cards, websites, telecommunications systems and security systems that notify users by dialing a seven-digit number depending on the plan officials move forward with.
Kentucky officials are soliciting feedback because of these potential impacts.
“We want to hear from the telecommunications industry, from businesses that might be affected by the change, and from area code 502 residents,” Public Service Commission Chair Angie Hatton said. “We seek public input so that we will have a full understanding of the issues before we make a decision that may have a significant impact on the economy and on people’s daily lives.”
Public feedback sessions regarding the 502 area code are scheduled as follows:
Bardstown
Nelson County Fiscal Courtroom at 1 Court Square, Second Floor
Georgetown
Scott County Fiscal Courtroom at 160 E. Main St.
Louisville
Jefferson Community & Technical College Southwest Campus at 1000 Community College Drive
Carrollton
Carroll County Fiscal Courtroom at 440 Main St.
Frankfort
Kentucky Public Service Commission at 211 Sower Blvd.
Reach Killian Baarlaer at kbaarlaer@gannett.com or @bkillian72 on
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 502 area code numbers to run out soon. What it means for residents