SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio is expected to get a new area code by 2018, the Public Utility Commission of Texas says.
The numbers are more than just an area code for San Antonians. They're the inspiration for artwork, business names and much more.
If you want to identify with those who have a 210 area code, you better get a landline or mobile number before the beginning of 2018. That's when all 210 numbers are expected to be exhausted and a new area code will be added to the mix.
What will the three new numbers be? That announcement is expected by late summer from the North American Numbering Plan Administration, PUC spokesman Terry Hadley said.
"I wanted to know when it will go into effect and how it will affect local businesses," Kenneth Rojas said at a PUC public meeting Thursday afternoon.
The area code addition, also called an overlay, is a result of growth in the San Antonio metropolitan area.
"One area code handles nearly 8 million numbers and that's what we're running out of in San Antonio," Hadley said.
The 210 area code was introduced in 1992 when San Antonio split from Austin's 512 area code. There are currently 25 area codes statewide.
When the new area code is added to existing San Antonio numbers, people will have to dial a full 10-digit phone number to reach someone.
Hadley said due to the advance notice, emergency service providers such as police and fire departments have time to do any reprogramming, if necessary.