The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) reminds residents that the states new area code (575) has been implemented throughout much of New Mexico, meaning permissive dialing period has come to an end and mandatory dialing is effective as of October 5, 2008.
Callers must use the correct area code to complete their calls. A recorded announcement will be played when a caller dials the old (505) area code for a number that moved to the new (575) area code. In addition, some callers may experience a series of tones (similar to tones generated by fax machines) before the recorded message reminding them of the area code change and to dial again.
As of October 5, 2008 callers will be required to use the correct area code to complete their call. The area code change will affect all phones, regardless of service provider.
Who has the new (575) Area Code?
The NMPRC divided the state into two regions: The southern and eastern portions of the state, including Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Clovis, Deming, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Penasco, Roswell, Raton, Silver City and Taos will get the new (575) area code (Quemado, Pie Town and Ruidoso also fall under the new code). The northwestern region of the state, including Albuquerque, Espanola, Farmington, Gallup, Las Vegas, Santa Fe, Shiprock and most of the Navajo Nation, will retain the (505) area code.
I think New Mexicans will adjust well to the new area code changes, and the service providers have been very responsive in making this change a reality as well as making sure the transition period will be as smooth as possible, said NMPRC Chairman Jason Marks (Dist. 1). Because of the area code split, New Mexico is now in a
better position to handle the growth and demand for more telecommunications service.
The Commission would also like to remind residents and businesses to make sure their phones, fax machines, modems or other dialing devices are able to dial the new (575) area code where appropriate.
For additional information regarding the 505/575 area code split, contact the NMPRC at 1-888-427-5772 or write to: 1120 Paseo De Peralta, P.O. Box 1269, Santa Fe, NM 87501. Or you can contact the NMPRC Public Information Office at 505.827.4446 or by cell phone at 505.699.7991. For assistance in Native American languages, please call 1-888-427-5772.
Visit the NMPRC on the web at: www.nmprc.state.nm.us