Area Code Atlas

Three-way split of NPA 912 creating NPAs 229 and 478 announced

NANPA issued Planning Letter PL-NANP-202 announcing that area code 912 in southern Georgia would be split into three numbering plan areas. The plan assigned 229 to southwestern Georgia and 478 to central Georgia, while 912 would be retained for the coastal and southeastern portion. The notice established the implementation framework and geographic boundaries for the new NPAs.

NPA 229 and 478 split from 912

On August 1, 2000, area code 912 was split to create area codes 229 and 478. Area code 478 was created for central Georgia, including Macon and the northern portion of the former 912 region. Area code 229 was placed into service for southwestern Georgia. Area code 912 continued to serve the Savannah and southeastern Georgia region, reducing its geographic scope.

Permissive dialing period for 912/229/478 split

Following the implementation of the 912 split, a one-year permissive dialing period began on August 1, 2000, allowing both the old and new area codes to be used for calls into the new 229 and 478 regions. This transition period lasted until August 1, 2001, with some local routes still permitting seven-digit dialing. This allowed calls to be completed using either old or new dialing patterns while customers adjusted to the new area codes, easing the changeover to the new numbering plan areas.

Supplemental Information NPA SPLIT 912/478/229 Georgia

Mandatory dialing begins for NPA 229

On August 1, 2001, the one-year permissive dialing period ended and mandatory dialing was implemented for area code 229. Callers were required to use the correct area code for all calls into the 229 region from this date forward.

Mandatory dialing begins for NPAs 229 and 478

On August 1, 2001, the one-year permissive dialing period ended and mandatory dialing was implemented for area codes 229 and 478. From this date, callers were required to use the correct area code for all calls into these regions, marking the end of the permissive dialing period that followed the 2000 split from 912.

Permissive dialing period ends for 912 split

Permissive dialing for the 912, 229, and 478 area codes continued until August 1, 2001, allowing callers to use either the old or new codes during the transition after the 2000 split.

NPA 229 not projected to need relief until 2029

As of October 2021, projections indicated that area code 229 is not expected to require relief until at least 2029, according to NANPA exhaust analysis. This forecast was based on current and anticipated number utilization trends in the region.