To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) has approved the addition of the 534 area code to the geographic region currently served by 715 -- this is called an Area Code Overlay. Eventually, all customers in the 715/534 area code will need to dial the area code + 7 digits when making phone calls.
Effective October 2009 you have been able to use the new dialing procedure when you make local calls. Effective July 17, 2010 the new dialing procedure was required and starting August 14, 2010, new telephone lines added in the current 715 area code have been elegible to be assigned to the 534 area code.
What will remain the same?
Your telephone number, which includes your area code, will remain the same. The price of a call, local and long distance calling areas and other rates and services will remain the same. You will still dial 3 digits to reach 911.
What should you be aware of?
If you have business cards, stationery, adverstising materials or programmed numbers that only reflect the 7 digit number, you will need to adjust them so they include the area code. All new phone lines added after Aug. 14, 2010 will use the 534 area code.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding this, please visit the web site: http://psc.wi.gov/utilityinfo/tele/areaCodes/home-AreaCodeRelief.htm