The state is more than halfway through the six-month transition period where people in the 812 area code can make local calls using either the seven-digit phone number without the area code or the entire ten-digit number with the code.
Starting Sept. 6, customers with an 812 number will have to use all ten digits; otherwise, the call will not go through and you will get a recording telling you to hang up and try again.
The change is necessary because all available phone numbers under 812 are expected to be used up by next year.
The new code is being added through the "overlay" method, which has been used for all new area code additions in the United States since 2008. That means the 930 area code will be added to or superimposed over the entire 812 region which has covered southern, south-central, and parts of west-central Indiana since 1947.
The area includes Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville, New Albany and Terre Haute. Regulators say starting October 6, new phone lines may receive a 930 area code, and in some cases a customer with an 812 landline number who moves to a new location may be assigned a 930 number.
There will be no pricing changes, and you will still dial only three digits to reach 211, 411, 811, or 911, as well as 311 where that service is available.