Effective this Saturday, February 27, you will need to add the area code for all local calls you are dialing or connecting to if you live in the 217 area code zone.

Back in October of 2019 the Illinois Commerce Commission realized that with the population shift that was happening they were going to run out of numbers for the 217 area code. As a result, they decided to incorporate a new area code for our area in Illinois and that number is 447.

If you already have a 217 area code you will keep that number, but new phone subscribers will be going to the 447 number beginning in March.  No matter what area code you currently have you will still need to dial either 217 or 447 before the 7-digit to make a local connection. As has been the case all along, you will still need to dial the area code for all long distance numbers you are trying to reach as well.

This new 447 area code will cover from Quincy to Danville and will include Jacksonville, Springfield, Champaign, Decatur and Urbana areas as well.  There will be no changes when making an emergency 911 call.

LOOK: Here are 25 ways you could start saving money today

These money-saving tips—from finding discounts to simple changes to your daily habits—can come in handy whether you have a specific savings goal, want to stash away cash for retirement, or just want to pinch pennies. It’s never too late to be more financially savvy. Read on to learn more about how you can start saving now. [From: 25 ways you could be saving money today]

More From KICK FM, #1 For New Country