From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
CENTRAL ALABAMA — Get ready to change the way you dial for your local calls because a new procedure is being rolled out.
According to AT&T, a new area code is being added to the area already being served by the 205 area code. The new 695 area code will be added to the 205 region in an effort to increase the number of telephone numbers available for the geographic area. This does not mean that those with the 205 area code will need to get new numbers. It will mean that telephone users will soon have to include the area code when making local calls, as the local region will have two area codes.
This change will impact telephone users all across what is currently the 205 area, including Trussville, Pinson, Clay, Center Point, Argo, Springville, Gardendale, Moody, Pell City, Leeds, Irondale and Odenville.
AT&T said that, effective April 13, you should begin using the new dialing procedures whenever you place a call from the 205 area code. If you forget and dial just seven digits, your call will still complete.
Beginning Oct. 12, you must use the new dialing procedures as described above. If you do not use the new dialing procedures, your calls will not complete. A recorded message will instruct you to hang up and dial again, including the area code.
Beginning Nov. 12, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 659 area code.