Over the past several months, we’ve heard from multiple readers who’ve been assigned a new 227 area code, and they weren’t sure what it meant. The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) introduced the 227 area code in 2023 to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers across the region currently served by the 240 and 301 area codes.
The new area code covers the same geographic region, including Aspen Hill, Bethesda, Bowie, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Hagerstown, Potomac, Silver Spring, Waldorf, Wheaton, and many other Maryland communities. Below are some frequently asked questions, courtesy of the Maryland PSC:
What is an area code overlay? An “overlay” means a new area code (227) is added to the same region as existing ones (240/301). It does not require anyone to change their existing phone number. Local calls will still require dialing the full 10 digits, just as they do today.
When did it take effect? The 227 area code officially took effect on June 14, 2023. Since then, customers in the 240/301 region requesting new service or an additional line may be assigned a 227 number.
Customers in the 240/301/227 overlay area should:
• Continue dialing 10 digits for all local calls, even within the same area code.
• Always identify phone numbers using all 10 digits.
• Make sure all devices, cell phones, alarm systems, fax machines, contact lists, voicemail, and call-forwarding systems, can recognize and store numbers with the new 227 code.
• Update materials such as websites, stationery, checks, business cards, and advertising to include your full 10-digit number.
What will stay the same:
• Your existing phone number and area code will not change.
• Call pricing, coverage areas, and existing services will remain the same.
• What’s considered a “local call” today will continue to be local.
• You’ll still use 1 + 10 digits for long-distance calls.
• Three-digit services (911, 988, 211, 311, etc.) remain unchanged.
The Maryland PSC notes that the 227 overlay was introduced as Maryland continues to grow, ensuring that residents and businesses will have access to a steady supply of new phone numbers in the years ahead.
