New area code coming in October for southeastern counties

The North Carolina Utilities Commission will begin using the 472 area code across portions of southeastern North Carolina later this year. Residents who currently have the 910 area code can keep their current phone numbers. But beginning October 7th, customers may be assigned a number with the 472 area code if they request new service or an additional line. Some areas affected by the change include Cumberland, Onslow, Robeson, and New Hanover counties. According to a news release, the remaining supply of new telephone numbers in the 910 area code is estimated to be exhausted late this year. Once all 910 area code numbers run out, the assignment of new numbers using the 472 area code will begin.