New Overlay Area Code to Take Effect in October for Current ‘816’ Region

The Missouri Public Commission has approved a new area code that serves the same geographic area currently served by the existing 816 area code.  The area served by the new 975 area code will be the western Missouri communities of Lathrop, Kansas City, Blue Springs, Plattsburg, Fillmore, Richmond, Odessa, Harrisonville, and Adrian as well as the surrounding region.

The overlay will not require a change in the existing area code or phone number, or how calls are dialed.

Beginning on October 13th, customers in the 816 area code region may be assigned a number in the new 975 area code when they request new service or an additional line. Customers receiving a 975 area code will be required to dial the area code and phone number for all local calls, just as customers in the 816 area code do today.

The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not be affected by the change. Three-digit numbers, such as 911 and 988 will still be available.