New 283 Area Code is coming to the Ohio 513 Area Code region

To ensure a continuing supply of new telephone numbers, the Public Service Commission of Ohio has approved a new area code for the 513 area code region, which serves southwest Ohio including the TDS communities of Fayetteville and Butlerville. The new 283 area code will serve the same geographic area currently served by the existing 513 area code.

When does the new 283 area code become effective?

Beginning April 28, 2023, Ohio customers in the 513 area code overlay region may be assigned a number in the new 283 area code when they request new service or an additional line. Customers receiving a 283 area code will be required to dial the area code and phone number for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 513 area code do today.

What is an Area Code Overlay?

An overlay is the addition of another area code (283) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (513). The overlay does not require you to change your existing area code or phone number, or how you dial your calls. You will continue to dial the area code and phone number for all local calls, as you do today, within and between the 513 and new 283 area codes.

What will you need to do?

Customers in the overlay region should:

·         Continue to dial 10 digits for all local calls, including calls within the same area code.

·         Continue to identify your telephone number as a 10-digit number, and include the area code when giving the number to friends, family, business associates, customers, etc.

·         Ensure all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 283 area code as a valid area code and continue to store or program telephone numbers as 10-digit numbers. Some examples are: stored telephone numbers in contact lists in wireless phones, PBXs, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, medical alert devices, safety alarm security systems and gates, and ankle monitors or other similar equipment.

·         Check items such as your website, personal and business stationery and printed checks, advertising materials, contact information, and your personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

What will remain the same?

·         Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.

·         The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.

·         What is a local call now will remain a local call.

·         You will continue to dial 10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long distance calls.

·         You can still dial three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 if those are currently available in your community.

Who may you contact with questions?

If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, please call TDS at 1-888-CALL-TDS or visit www.tdstelecom.com for more information. You can also visit the Public Service Commission of Ohio website at: https://puco.ohio.gov/utilities/telecom.  

TDS customers in Ohio are also encouraged to explore whether they are eligible for discounted rates through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). An estimated 40% of U.S. households qualify to receive this benefit to reduce the cost of internet access. The ACP benefit provides eligible households up to a $30/month credit and up to $75/month credit in tribal areas. TDS offers internet options that are 100% covered by the ACP benefit.