Back on June 14, 2023, customers in the 240/301 area code overlay region could be assigned a number in the new 227 area code when they request new service or an additional line. Our staff hasn’t seen a 227 number yet, have you?
Customers receiving a 227 area code are required to dial the area code and phone number for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 240 and 301 area codes do today. Below is a little history on our area codes:
Area code 301 covered the entire state of Maryland when it was established in 1947. It wasn’t until October of 1991 that 410 was brought into play for Baltimore and the Eastern Shore. Usually the largest city in the area (Baltimore) maintains the original area code, but in our case the D.C. suburbs kept 301. Howard County was split between 301 and 410.
Just a few years after the initial Maryland split, we began to run out of 301 numbers. On June 1st, 1997, 240 was introduced as an overlay area code. This was met with a bit of resistance because it meant we had to dial 10 digits for local calls instead of the 7 everyone was used to.
In sports terms, we look at 301 as the regular jerseys we know and love and 240 as an alternate jersey we’ve gotten used to. Is 227 going to be that weird new jersey nobody likes?
Additional info and FAQ on the new area code can be found here.