The Arkansas Public Service Commission has approved a plan for a new area code within the 870 area.
The PSC says its new plan will require 10-digit dialing in the region when it's implemented, though an implementation date hasn't been set.
The new plan will create a second area code within the existing area, so current 870 customers will be able to keep their phone number. The new three-digit code hasn't been determined yet.
The 870 area code now covers all of east and south Arkansas, along with some areas in the north and west. The supply of unassigned 870 numbers is projected to run out in 2013.
