With shortage of new 502 phone numbers, Kentucky will seek input on possible solutions

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- There is a shortage of new phone numbers in the 502 area code, according to the Kentucky Public Service Commission.

The commission said it was notified that the 502 area code would run out of numbers by the end of 2027.

The North American Numbering Plan Administrator told the state that a new area code must be created in northwestern Kentucky prior to 2027.

But before that can happen, officials want to hear from those who live in the area about possible solutions.

"We want to hear from the telecommunications industry, from businesses that might be affected by the change, and from area code 502 residents," state PSC Chair Angie Hatton said in a news release Monday. "We seek public input so that we will have a full understanding of the issues before we make a decision that may have a significant impact on the economy and on people's daily lives."

Residents can give their input during a series of five meetings scheduled in the state next month:

Bardstown: Monday, June 2 at 6 p.m.
- Second floor of the Nelson County Fiscal Courthouse, 1 Court Square
Georgetown: Tuesday, June 3 at 6 p.m.
- Scott County Fiscal Courtroom, 160 E. Main St.
Louisville: Thursday, June 5 at 6 p.m.
- Jefferson Community & Technical College Southwest Campus, 1000 Community College Dr.
Carrollton: Monday, June 16 at 6 p.m.
- Carroll County Fiscal Courtroom, 440 Main St.
Frankfort: Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m.
- Kentucky Public Service Commission, 211 Sower Blvd.

Officials will talk about several solutions, including a new area code that would cover the entire area, with all new numbers having the new area code.

The state PSC said NANPA sent them "five relief alternatives but recommended an all-service distributed overlay of the 502-area code with a new overlay area code."

The PSC said new area codes can be "established in one of two ways: geographic split or overlay." Until the last new area code implementation, the geographic split has been the norm in Kentucky.

"However, a new area code also can be created as an 'overlay' on an existing area code which utilizes a new area code on all new numbers in an existing geographic area. This option then requires 10-digit dialing for local calls."

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