New area code to be introduced to Mid-Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mid-Missouri will soon be introduced to a new area code, according to a Monday press release from the Missouri Public Service Commission.

The new area code – 235 – will not replace numbers that currently use 573. New numbers using the 235 area code will begin being assigned on March 24, 2024.

“Customers are reminded that the 573 area code is not going away and if they have a telephone number with the 573 area code, they will not lose or have to change their telephone number,” PSC Chairman Scott Rupp said in the press release. “An overlay is a more efficient and less disruptive way to alleviate the exhaustion of available telephone numbers which is occuring in the 573 area code.”

All locals calls within 573 must be placed using 10 digits (area code + seven-digit telephone number) on Feb. 24, 2024, the release states.

Residents can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988. You can also dial three digits to reach 211, 311, 511 and 811, where available.