The 318 area code is a familiar identifier for residents and businesses in North Louisiana. Serving as a telecommunications cornerstone for decades, this area code is now expanding to accommodate the region’s growing demand for phone numbers. This expansion comes in the form of a new overlay area code, 457, set to be introduced starting September 2025. Understanding what this means for you, whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, is essential.
Delving into the 318 Area Code: Geography and History
The 318 area code isn’t just a random set of digits; it’s a geographic marker deeply rooted in North Louisiana. Established in 1957 as a split from the original 504 area code, 318 has become synonymous with the northern parishes of Louisiana. It encompasses a diverse range of communities, from bustling urban centers to serene rural landscapes. Knowing your area code is often a point of local pride, connecting residents to their regional identity. For many in North Louisiana, the 318 area code is more than just a dialing prefix; it’s a symbol of home.
Why the 457 Overlay for the 318 Area Code?
The introduction of the 457 area code as an overlay is a direct response to the increasing need for new phone numbers in the 318 region. As technology advances and the population grows, the demand for unique phone numbers continues to rise. Instead of splitting the existing 318 area code geographically, which would require some residents and businesses to change their numbers, the overlay method adds a new area code – 457 – to the same geographic area.
This means that the same region currently served by 318 will now be served by both 318 and 457. The key advantage of an overlay is that current 318 area code holders keep their existing numbers. No one with a 318 area code will be forced to change their number due to the 457 overlay. The new 457 area code will only be assigned to new phone numbers in the region once the existing pool of 318 numbers is depleted.
Navigating the Transition: 10-Digit Dialing is Coming
While the introduction of the 457 area code won’t change your existing 318 number, it does bring a crucial change in dialing procedures: 10-digit dialing. Currently, local calls within the 318 area code might be completed using just seven digits. However, with the 457 overlay, this will change.
Starting August 25, [current year + 1], it became mandatory to dial the 318 area code plus the 7-digit phone number for all local calls within the 318 area. This practice must be adopted before the new 457 area code is officially introduced in September 2025. This change ensures that calls are routed correctly in the expanded numbering system. Whether you are calling a 318 number from a 318 number, or calling a 457 number (once they are issued) from a 318 or 457 number, you will need to dial all ten digits.
Beginning September 25, 2025, new phone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 457 area code. If you are assigned a 457 area code, you will also need to dial 10 digits for all calls, even local ones. Failing to dial ten digits after these dates may result in your call not being completed.
Parishes Embraced by the 318 Area Code
The 318 area code is the telecommunications identifier for a vast and diverse section of North Louisiana, encompassing the following parishes:
- Allen
- Avoyelles
- Bienville
- Bossier
- Caddo
- Caldwell
- Catahoula
- Claiborne
- Concordia
- DeSoto
- East Carroll
- Franklin
- Grant
- Jackson
- LaSalle
- Lincoln
- Madison
- Morehouse
- Natchitoches
- Ouachita
- Rapides
- Red River
- Richland
- Sabine
- Tensas
- Union
- Vernon
- Webster
- West Carroll
- Winn
This extensive list highlights the significant geographic reach of the 318 area code and the communities it serves.
Staying Informed: Resources for Further Information
For any questions or concerns regarding the 318 area code overlay and the transition to 10-digit dialing, residents are encouraged to reach out to AT&T or the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
- AT&T: 800-288-2020 or att.com
- Louisiana Public Service Commission: https://www.lpsc.louisiana.gov/
These resources can provide detailed explanations and address specific inquiries about the area code changes, ensuring a smooth transition for everyone in the 318 and 457 area codes.
