Because of the possible exhaustion of available numbers in the 304 area code, the Public Service Commission of West Virginia recently approved the implementation of a new area code, 681. If you currently have a telephone number with the 304 area code, your telephone number will not change.

Persons subscribing for new service in West Virginia after March 28, 2009 may be given the 681 area code.

Permissive dialing begins July 26, 2008. Permissive dialing allows telephone users to become accustomed to using 10-digit dialing (304-xxx-xxxx) for local calls, although not yet required; however, beginning February 28, 2009, 10-digit dialing must be used for all local calls.

It is important to remember that a local call will still be a local call regardless of the area code.

The way you dial for long distance calls will not change.

If you have questions, please contact the PSC at 1-800-642-8544.