The Tennessee Public Utility Commission has added the area code 729 in East Tennessee to merge with the 423 area code.

Officials say the 423 area code will run out of numbers by the fall of 2025.

The new area code will ensure there are enough numbers for businesses and residents to serve the area. Existing residents will keep their current numbers but new customers or current customers who want extra lines, could receive a 729 area code number.

Area code 423 is the area code for central Tennessee, north and south of Knoxville. It includes the cities of Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Kingsport.