LOUISIANA — North Louisiana residents, get ready to dial a few extra digits. A new 457 area code is being introduced as an overlay to the existing 318 region, which includes major cities like Shreveport, Bossier City, Alexandria, Monroe, and Ruston.
The overlay will not change any existing 318 phone numbers. However, beginning September 25, 2025, newly assigned phone numbers may begin with the 457 area code.
To prepare for this transition, the Louisiana Public Service Commission has implemented the following schedule:
• February 24, 2025 – Permissive Dialing Begins: Residents can use either 7 or 10 digits to complete local calls.
• August 25, 2025 – Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing Begins: All local calls must be dialed using the area code + 7-digit number. Calls made with just 7 digits will not go through.
• September 25, 2025 – New Numbers Assigned: Phone companies may begin assigning numbers in the new 457 area code.
This change is necessary to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers in the growing 318 region.
For more information, contact your phone service provider.
