The Arizona Corporation Commission last week decided on a plan to split the 520 area code territory. The Commission's action preserves the 520 area code in Tucson and parts of southern Arizona. Pinal, Pima, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties will retain the 520 area code, with the exception of a few small areas where rate centers cross county lines. The rest of Arizona, including Yuma County, will get the new 928 area code.
Care is taken to choose a number that is unlike any other nearby area codes.
This helps eliminate dialing confusion and the possibility of incorrectly dialed numbers. Arizona residents will be able to use the new area code in June. Between now and June, the telecommunications industry will be setting up their systems to recognize the new area code. The Commission's Order requires the telecommunications industry to implement a comprehensive education program to inform the public of the upcoming change. Competition in telecommunications and the rapid proliferation of cellular phones, pagers, fax machines and enhanced Internet services are just a few of the reasons that supply of available numbers is dwindling.