Colorado’s New Area Code 748 FAQ

Background on New Area Codes

On November 20, 2023, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved an all-services overlay of the existing 970 area code to be implemented once the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) determines when the area codes will be exhausted. (Proceeding 23V-0274T) The new area code provided by the NANPA will be 748.

The 303 Numbering Plan Area (NPA) was the original NPA that served the entire state of Colorado and was implemented in 1947. In 1988, the 719 NPA was created when the 303 NPA underwent a geographic split. In 1995, the 303 NPA was split again, creating the 970 NPA. In 1998, the 720 NPA was implemented as an overlay over the 303 NPA.

Based on telephone numbering assignments in the 970 area code, the NANPA projected that 970 would be exhausted in the 1st Quarter of 2026. As a result, NANPA filed a petition with the PUC on May 31, 2023, in Proceeding No. 23V-0274T to allow time for the new area code to be in service by the time 970 is projected to run out of available numbers. While area code relief efforts will continue as scheduled in 2025, the date the 970 area code is expected to be exhausted has been extended to the 4th Quarter of 2026. However, this date could move again due to changes in demand.

NANPA proposed a 9-month schedule for implementation, which will allow the 748 NPA to be implemented 6 months before exhaustion. NANPA also proposed additional customer educational and technical milestone changes to conform to industry best practices.
NANPA projects overlaying the 748 area code over the existing 970 service area will provide relief for approximately 38 years.

Attributes of an Overlay:

An overlay will require customers to dial 10 digits for all local calls within the geographic area.
Once the current area code reaches exhaustion, numbers from the new area code will begin to be assigned; however, numbers from the current area code will still be available for reassignment through standard industry practices. Providers will also continue to assign 970 numbers to customers if they have existing inventory.
Calls to 3-digit numbers like 211,311,411, 711, 811,911, and 988 will continue to be able to be dialed as they are now.

General Information About an Area Code Overlay
An area code overlay occurs when more than one area code serves the same geographic area. With an overlay, all current customers keep their area code and telephone number. Numbers from this new area code may be assigned to new telephone customers or those adding additional lines. Because two area codes reside in the same geography, all local calls must be dialed using the area code + the seven-digit telephone number (10 digits).

Why is area code relief necessary?
In recent years, a combination of new technologies, increased demand for new devices among consumers, and an increase in population has contributed to an increased demand for numbering resources.

How will an overlay impact home and business telephone service?
Both residential and business customers should:

Continue to dial all calls using the area code plus the seven-digit number (10 digits). All local calls, whether made to a telephone on the same block, next door, or within the same house.
If you have equipment or services that are programmed, update any life safety systems or medical monitoring devices, PBXs, fax machines, fire or burglar alarms, security systems or gates, speed dialers, mobile or other wireless phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar services.
Remember that the previous area code and the new area code will co-exist within the same geographic region.

Additionally, business customers should:

Update equipment such as message detail recording equipment, alternate route or least-cost routing systems, toll restriction, mobile telephone service, and alarm circuits.

Will the cost of calls change because of a new area code overlay?
No, calls that were local before the introduction of the new area code will remain local calls. Local calling areas do not change when a new area code overlay is established.

Can I still obtain a telephone number from the old area code?
Telephone numbers that are no longer in use are regularly returned to the numbering pool for reassignment. Telephone companies in the area code may also keep numbers in their inventory for some time after a new area code is introduced. However, once the area code is exhausted, those telephone companies may be unable to receive any new numbers from the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA).

What is the planning process to establish a new area code?
The NANPA notifies the state regulatory commission and the telecommunications industry three years in advance of when it is anticipated that a particular area code will run out of prefixes. The area code planning process begins with NANPA and the telecommunications industry group meeting to identify viable solutions. When developing and evaluating area code relief plans, the industry is required to follow regulations established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the state commissions, as well as the telecommunications industry guidelines cooperatively developed by industry representatives. The industry is also constrained to follow rate area boundaries. After feasible alternatives are developed, the industry strives to reach consensus on the best plan for the area as a whole. The plan, with the industry’s recommendation, is then submitted to the state commission. If the industry is unable to reach consensus on a relief plan, the planning results are submitted to the state commission. The state commission makes the final decision on all area code relief plans. If an area code split is approved, they decide which area will retain the existing area code or receive a new area code.

When will telephone numbers with the new area code be available?
All technical and educational milestones will be complete by July 7, 2025; however, the 748 Area Code will not be assigned until the 970 Area Code is exhausted.

What technical upgrades or updates have been implemented to ensure that municipalities and dispatchers can receive calls from the new area code?
Technical milestones encompass upgrading equipment, collaborating with 911 operators, and involving all telecommunications providers impacted in the 970 Area Code.

What type of notification has been done in order to prepare telecommunications customers for the 748 Area Code?
Service providers began their customer education on Oct. 7, 2024. The second round of customer notices was done in May/June through single customer notifications (e.g., bill messages, bill inserts, direct mail, text messaging, email). The PUC issued a press release on Dec. 18, 2023, and June 25, 2025.

Will there be any impacts to people who already have 970 numbers?
All current customers will keep their existing phone numbers and area codes. The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change. Customers in the overlay region will continue to dial 10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long-distance calls and operator-assisted calls.

Further information regarding area code relief can be found on the NANPA website- NANPA.com, or by contacting a telecommunications provider or equipment vendor.