10-Digit Dialing Coming to North Carolina's 336 Area Code

RALEIGH, N.C. -- People living in North Carolina's 336 area code will need to limber up their fingers, and some of them will need to learn a new area code altogether.

The N.C. Utilities Commission says all local calls made within the 336 area code must be placed using the 10-digit telephone number, specifically the area code plus the seven-digit local number. It applies to home telephone or cellular service and takes effect on April 23.  

To ensure there are enough numbers, the commission has ordered a 743 area code overlay for the 336 area, meaning there will be two are for the region including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Kernersville, Burlington, North Wilkesboro, Roxboro and Asheboro.

Copyright 2016 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.