In case you haven’t heard, Nashville’s got a second area code. While the addition was made official in 2014, a mass of residents boasting the new 629 prefix hasn’t been noticeable until recently. If you’ve been out of the loop on the change, here’s a little FAQ about Music City’s new digits: 

Why the introduction of the new area code? 

There are only so many combinations that can match with a 615 area code and Nashville’s about out of them. The North American Number Plan Association (NANPA) issues phone digits and tracks usage. In 2014 they realized that the 615 area code was getting pretty packed and assigned the additional 629 prefix to the Nashville region. 

When was the new area code introduced?

While NANPA noticed the issue in 2014, Nashvillians did not begin to receive numbers with the 629 code until 2015. Even then, carriers such as Verizon and ATT still had many 615 phone numbers in their data bank available for distribution. As the remaining numbers in the 615 databank have dwindled, more and more Nashvillians have been assigned digits beginning with 629. 

Who gets the new 629 area code? 

The 628 and 615 area codes effectively cover the same region. So, if you live in Nashville or the surrounding area, anywhere currently covered by a 615 area code, then you’re also in the 629 region. 

Does this change the way we dial in Nashville?

Yep. Once upon a time, if you had a local number, you could dial just seven digits to reach another 615er. With the introduction of the new area code, dialing all 10 digits became mandatory.

Can I choose which area code I receive?

Maybe. Phone carriers like Verizon and ATT are assigned a databank of numbers they are allowed to give out to customers. If your carrier has any 615 digits currently unassigned in their database, you just may be able to have a 615 number. But, the supply of ‘old’ Nashville numbers is dwindling, so you just may need to embrace the new 629. 

What’s your area code? Represent your digits with our new release Nashville area code tee.