Area Code Atlas

NPA 870 split from 501

In 1995, area code 870 was created as a split from 501 to serve north-central, northeast, eastern, and southern Arkansas. This relieved the original 501 area code, which had previously covered the entire state.

Area code 870 created in split from 501

On April 14, 1997, area code 870 was created in a split from area code 501. The new code served most of Arkansas outside the Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers areas, while 501 was retained for the central region.

Overlay relief plan for 870 approved

On December 11, 2009, the Arkansas Public Service Commission approved an all-services overlay plan for area code 870 due to projected number exhaustion. The plan called for the introduction of a new overlay code to serve the same geographic area as 870.

Area code 327 assigned for overlay relief of 870

In January 2010, area code 327 was assigned as the relief overlay for area code 870 in Arkansas. The overlay was intended to provide additional numbering resources for the region.

NPA 327 assigned as overlay for 870

Area code 327 was assigned in January 2010 as an all-service overlay for area code 870 to provide relief for the projected exhaustion of 870.

NPA 327 overlay on 870 announced

NPA 327 to Overlay NPA 870 (Arkansas)

Overlay relief for 870 suspended

In June 2012, the planned overlay relief for area code 870 was indefinitely suspended due to the release of unused central office codes and the implementation of number pooling, which delayed number exhaustion.

Suspension of 870/327 NPA Relief (Arkansas)

Arkansas PSC approves 327/870 overlay

On January 27, 2022, the Arkansas Public Service Commission issued Order No. 10 approving an all-services distributed overlay for the 870 NPA. The new 327 area code would serve the same geographic area as 870.

NPA 327 overlay on 870 announced

NPA 327 to Overlay NPA 870 (Arkansas)

NPA 327 overlay on 870 announced

NPA 327 to Overlay NPA 870 (Arkansas) – supersedes PL-587

Permissive 10-digit dialing begins for 870/327 overlay

Permissive 10-digit dialing for the 870/327 overlay complex began on July 21, 2023, allowing callers to use either 7 or 10 digits for local calls within the affected area.

Mandatory ten-digit dialing started for area code 870

Mandatory ten-digit dialing began in the area code 870 region on January 19, 2024, in preparation for the overlay with area code 327, which was activated shortly after on February 20, 2024.

Area code 327 overlay activated for 870

On February 20, 2024, area code 327 was activated as an all-services overlay for area code 870 in Arkansas, providing additional numbering resources for the same geographic area.