Hold the phone — Seattle’s getting new digits, and we’re not quite sure how to feel about it. Looks like 206 phone numbers are dwindling, so the national Utilities and Transportation Commission approved the introduction of area code 564 to our city by 2025.
Can they even do that? Will we have time to say goodbye? We’re clutching our precious 206 as tightly as we can as we process this news. Here’s what you need to know about the pending switcheroo.
Cracking the codes
Other areas in Washington have already adopted the 564 area code and they didn’t explode into little pieces, so that’s good. The new number on the block has been around since 2017 when it was rolled out in areas like Snohomish, Bellingham, and Whidbey Island.
Regardless, we’re a little nostalgic for 206. It was one of the country’s 86 OG area codes launched back in 1947 before the US expanded to 300+. It also once covered the entire state. It’s a national treasure, really, inspiring everything from burger companies to a sketch comedy show.
In fact, we’ve been LOL’ing about local area code switches since the 90s — remember when Bellevue changed to 425, shared with Renton? The horror.
Finders keepers
Take a deep breath — if you already have a 206 phone number, you can keep it. The 564 addition is an “overlay” area code, basically another option for regions whose supply of a certain area code is running low. Therefore, existing 206 numbers will be able to stay put, even after 2025 comes around.
It helps that service providers allow you to port over an old number to a new phone. So even if you upgrade to a fancy new device within the next couple of years, you still can bring the 206 over — even if you owe fees or an outstanding balance. Whew.