319 Area Code Split

Iowa is running out of usable telephone numbers in the region served by the 319 area code due to unprecedented demand for services such as fax machines, pagers, wireless telephones and additional telephone lines, as well as the many choices in telecommunications providers.

On March 25, 2001, the region served by the 319 area code will be split into two area codes: 319 and the new 563 area code.

Area code split:

The region served by the 319 area code will be split into two parts:

• The 319 area code will be kept by Waverly, Oelwein, Waterloo, Monticello, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Mount Pleasant, Burlington, Fort Madison, Keokuk, and their surrounding areas.
• The 563 area code is being assigned to Decorah, Elkader, Strawberry Point, Dubuque, Manchester, Clinton, Tipton, Davenport, Muscatine, and adjacent areas.

Click here for a complete list of prefixes in the 319/563 area.

Effective dates: The region served by the 319 area code will be split into two area codes on March 25, 2001. Beginning on that date, the new 563 area code should be used. If there are problems the old area code will work until December 2, 2001. It is important that any problems found using the new area code be reported to the caller's local service provider and long distance provider. Only the new 563 area code will work on and after December 2, 2001.

Test your telecommunications equipment. Some telecommunications equipment used by businesses and other organizations may need to be reprogrammed or upgraded before it can complete calls into the new 563 area code. Businesses can test their telephone equipment to determine if it recognizes the 563 area code by calling the following test number: 563-324-0563

If a call to the test number does not go through, contact your equipment provider. If your equipment is not the problem, please call the Kalona Cooperative Telephone Company at: 319-656-3668.

Other communications services:

Some other communications services that might be affected are:

• Calling features such as speed-dialing and call-forwarding, which may need to be reprogrammed to place calls to the new 563 area code.
• Some wireless devices, such as wireless telephones and pagers, which need to be reprogrammed by the service provider.
• Some alarm systems, medic alert systems, which may need to be reprogrammed. · Internet dial-up connections, which may need to be reprogrammed.
• Coin-operated telephones. Owners should contact their equipment vendor for specific requirements of their equipment.
• Toll-free numbers such as 800, 877 and 888 in the new area code, which may need to be reprogrammed. Check with your service provider.

Directory Listings:

For all affected communities, local telephone companies will begin publishing the new area code after March 25, 2001. Individual businesses are responsible for changes to listings appearing in other directories. Businesses are also responsible for phone numbers appearing in any display advertising.

Cost incurred:

The area code modification is the result of normal growth in Iowa. Any costs incurred for updating systems and revising printed materials are the responsibility of the individual or business.

Customer education:

To help ensure customers are fully informed regarding this area code change, Iowa's telecommunications industry established a customer education committee. The committee developed an extensive Customer Education Plan to serve as a blueprint for use by telecommunications providers in educating consumers. The plan includes bill inserts, brochures, special targeted letters, and an advertising campaign.

Additional information:

If you have questions regarding the Iowa area code change, additional information is available through the following sources:

Iowa Utilities Board at www.state.ia.us/iub or 1-877-565-4450

Kalona Cooperative Telephone Company at 319-656-3668

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