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Nebraska 402 / 531 Area Code Overlay

General Information

  1. What is an Area Code Overlay?

    Due to increased demand for telephone numbers, the Nebraska Public Service Commission approved the addition of a new area code, 531, for the same geographic area as the 402 area code. This is called an area code overlay. An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code or telephone number, but does require customers to dial the area code + seven-digit telephone number for all calls, including calls within the same area code.

    View map of area code overlay.

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  2. Who is affected by the Nebraska 402 / 531 Area Code Overlay?

    Anyone who has a telephone number with a 402 area code is affected, as well as anyone that receives a telephone number from the 531 area code in the future. The 402 area code generally covers the eastern portion of the state and serves communities such as Valentine, Norfolk, Omaha, Bellevue, Columbus, Fremont, Hastings and Lincoln. The 531 area code will cover the same geographic area as the 402 area code.

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  3. What is the new dialing procedure for customers with a 402 or 531 area code?

    Since more than one area code will serve the same geographic area, customers with a 402 or 531 telephone number will need to dial the area code for all calls – including calls within the same area code. To complete local calls from a wireless phone with 402 or 531 area code, the new dialing procedure requires callers to dial the area code + seven-digit telephone number.

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  4. When will the Nebraska 402 / 531 Area Code Overlay change begin?

    Starting on June 26, 2010, all customers with a 402 area code should begin dialing the area code for ALL calls. There will be a grace period, so if you forget and dial just seven-digits during the grace period, your call will still be completed.

    Beginning February 26, 2011, all customers with a 402 area code must use the new dialing procedure for ALL calls. On or after this date, if you do not use the new dialing procedure, your call will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

    Beginning March 26, 2011, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 531 area code. All customers with a 531 area code must dial the area code + seven-digit telephone number on all calls or the call will not be completed.

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  5. Why is the Nebraska 402 / 531 Area Code Overlay change necessary?

    To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the 531 area code is being added to the area served by the 402 area code. Since more than one area code will now serve the same geographic region, the area code + seven-digit telephone number must be used when dialing any telephone number, including calls within the same area code.

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  6. Will the Nebraska 402 / 531 Area Code Overlay change affect my service?

    No, you will only need to dial the area code for all calls. Your current area code + seven-digit telephone number will not change. The price of a call, your calling plan and coverage area, and other rates and services will not change because of the overlay. All local calls will remain local regardless of the number of digits dialed.

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  7. What will I need to do to prepare for the Nebraska 402 / 531 Area Code Overlay?

    In addition to dialing the area code + seven-digit telephone number for all calls, you also will need to:

    • Update any preprogrammed seven-digit telephone numbers in your wireless phone to include the area code, as well as any text or email alert services.
    • Reprogram all services, automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment that are programmed with a seven-digit telephone number to include the area code. Some examples are life safety systems, fire or burglar alarm and security systems, security gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, voice mail services, and similar functions.
    • Check your websites, business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, contact information, and your ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

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  8. What will remain the same after the Nebraska 402 / 531 Area Code Overlay change?

    • Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
    • The price of a call, your wireless coverage area or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
    • What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
    • You will still dial just three digits to reach 911.
    • If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community; you will still dial them with just three digits.

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  9. How will customers with a 402 or 531 area code need to dial calls after the Nebraska 402 / 531 Area Code Overlay change?

    Since two area codes (402 and 531) will serve the same geographic area, customers with a 402 or 531 area code will need to dial the area code and telephone number for ALL calls.

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  10. Where can I find more information about the Nebraska 402 / 531 Area Code Overlay?

    If you have any questions about the 402 / 531 area code overlay, please contact us at (800) 922-0204.

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