To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the Illinois Commerce Commission has approved an all-service overlay for the 309 area code. The new 861 area code will serve the same geographic area currently served by the 309 area code.

Beginning February 24, 2023, residents and businesses in the 309 area code region may be assigned a number in the new 861 area code when they request new service or an additional line. Customers receiving the 861 area code will be required to dial the area code and phone number for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 309 area code do today.

• Continue to dial 10 digits for all local calls, including calls within the same area code.
• Ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 861 area code as a valid area code and continue to store or program telephone numbers as 10-digit numbers. Some examples are stored telephone numbers in contact lists in wireless phones, PBXs, fax machines, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, medical alert devices, safety alarm security systems and gates, and or other similar equipment.

• Your telephone number, including the current area code, will not change.
• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
• What is a local call now will remain a local call.
• You will continue to dial 10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long-distance calls.
• You can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 if those are currently available in your community.

If you have any questions regarding the information provided in this notice, please call MTCO at 309-367-4197. You may also visit the Illinois Commerce Commission website at https://www.icc.illinois.gov/programs/Area-Codes .