Chicago's newest area code: 872

Chicago's newest area code: 872
By Wailin Wong
Copyright © 2009, Chicago Tribune
10:54 AM CDT, August 10, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-biz-area-code-aug10,0,5935115.story


The city of Chicago will have a new area code starting in November: 872.

The 872 number is the city's third area code and will overlay the current area, the Illinois Commerce Commission announced Monday. An overlay means that a second area code is added to an area that already has a code. The 872 number goes into service on Nov. 7.

Residents who already have 312 and 773 area codes will be able to keep those numbers, the ICC said. The new area code will be assigned to "new and growing telecommunications service providers." The ICC said the 773 area code was exhausted in late July.

The 773 area code was introduced in 1995 and covers Chicago's northern, western and southern neighborhoods. The 312 area code covers downtown and the Loop.

wawong@tribune.com