Detroit’s iconic area code is getting some company.

The Michigan Public Service Commission says the city and adjacent suburbs will run out of available 313 numbers by the end of 2027.

When that happens, new phone lines will start with 679. The new area code will share the same space as 313.

Ryan McAnany directs the MPSC’s telecommunications division. He says 679 will not replace 313, and people with 313 numbers will not have to change them.

“Everyone that is a 313 customer or has a 313 telephone number, nothing will impact them,” he said. “The 679 area code overlay will impact only new customers.”

The MPSC previously said that the number of unassigned 313 numbers would be exhausted this year.

Read more: Detroit could run out of 313 phone numbers, new 679 area code proposed

Dialing extra digits

One thing will change: people with 313 numbers will eventually need to dial 10 digits — including the area code — to make local calls.

Starting April 7, customers will have six months to adjust.

“They don’t have to start calling 10 digits on April 7,” McAnany said. “They still can call the seven digits, but we’re trying to get the word out to customers that this change is happening, and it will be mandatory starting Oct. 7.”

Although the new 679 area code officially begins in November, McAnany says it might take a couple of years to catch on. But the number of available 313 numbers is dwindling.

“Right now, the projection is fourth quarter of 2027,” he said. “But that end date is a moving target, so it all just depends on how many numbers are being requested.”

McAnany says the changes will not result in higher phone bills.

“As far as calling rates, nothing will change,” he said. “Local calls will still be the same. There will not be any additional charges to that, and long distance will be the same.”

Area codes through the years

The 313 area code was established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan. It originally covered all of southeast Michigan, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint and Monroe.

As the region’s population grew, so did the demand for new phone lines, as well as pagers, fax machines, and dial-up internet modems.

In 1993, a new area code — 810 — was created for areas north of the city, including Oakland and Macomb counties. Within a few years, they received their own area codes — 248 for Oakland County in 1997, and 586 for Macomb in 2001.

In 2002, Oakland County got a second area code — 947 — which covers the same area as 248.

Ann Arbor, Monroe, and most of the Downriver communities have been in the 734 area code since 1997.

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we share news about the city of Detroit’s expansion to its private sewer repair program; a new area code for some Detroiters and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Detroit expands sewer repair program

Detroit is adding 75 neighborhoods to its private sewer repair program. The city received $95 million from the federal government to help residents whose homes were damaged when heavy rain caused flooding in 2021.

The repair effort started last year in the 22 hardest-hit neighborhoods. Mayor Mike Duggan says city workers have helped more than 400 families through the program so far, with the expansion allowing them to reach another 1,000 homes.

The Water and Sewerage Department will clean and inspect lateral service lines and repair or replace them as needed.

Detroit adding 679 area code

Detroit’s getting another area code this fall after the Michigan Public Service Commission says the region is running out of available 313 numbers.

New phone customers will be assigned a 679 area code in November. It’ll cover the same area, which includes the city and some adjacent communities. People with 313 numbers won’t have to change them, but starting in October, they will have to dial all 10 digits to call anyone. 679 will be Michigan’s 13th area code. 

MiAble program boosts outreach

A savings program for Michigan residents with disabilities is ramping up efforts to promote its service.

MiABLE is teaming up with the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan to spread the word about the benefits of opening a MiABLE account, which allow people with disabilities to save and invest without jeopardizing essential benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. MiABLE estimates only 1% of the people eligible for an account are currently enrolled.

Together, MiABLE and the Community Mental Health Association are kicking off a statewide roadshow to spread the word about the program. 

Detroit Disability Power hosts ‘DanceAbility’ workshops

Detroit Disability Power has hosted ‘DanceAbility’ workshops throughout March. DanceAbility is designed to provide a space where everyone — including people with disabilities — can feel comfortable to move within their capabilities.

Lead organizer Cara Graninger says that the workshops encourage people to challenge what they may consider limitations.

“It’s just normal, at DanceAbility, whatever body you have, however you move, that’s the new normal,” she said.

The last workshop will take place virtually on March 21.  Learn more at detroitdisabilitypower.org/danceability

–Reporting by Zahra Hassan, WDET

Detroit hires veterans affairs manager

Detroit has hired its first Veterans Affairs Manager, the city announced Thursday.

Kwesi Betserai spent 28 years in the military, serving in Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In his new role,  Betserai will be connecting vets with benefits, jobs, housing, health care and other services. He previously held a similar position with Wayne County’s Veterans Services Division. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.