Maryland Gets New Area Code

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Get ready to dial some new numbers. After 14 years, Maryland has another area code.

Mike Schuh introduces us to the new number on the block.

Twenty-one years ago, 410 was added. It's been 14 years since the 443 came along but two codes just isn't enough. The 667 means eight million new numbers. So why do we need a new area code? Frankly, I'm the problem---and so are you. A decade ago, we had one phone number in my household. Now we have six.

"We're getting a new area code because we're running out of 410 and 443 numbers," said Maryland Public Service Commission Chairman Doug Nazarian.

"Well, you have the home line, the business line, the cell phone and another cell phone," said Allan Bartee, who has multiple phones. "Then have office at work---private company---and another number. Yeah, I'm the problem."

"I have two," said Tan Nguyn.

"I have five," said Pallavi Kumar.

The 667 code will live in all of the Eastern Shore, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County and City, Harford County and Carroll County. There was outcry last time as, for the first time, the area code was needed for all calls, even local ones.

"Since then, we've all gotten used to dialing 10 digits, so this transition should be simpler," Nazarian said.

Planning for this new area code has been in the works for years. There's no word on how long before we may need another one for the growing population.