📞Houston, we have a new area code! PUCT approves 5th area code for Greater Houston area

HOUSTON – The Public Utility Commission of Texas announced on Wednesday the adoption of a new area code for the greater Houston area.

The move was made to accommodate continued population growth in the area as it is expected to run out of new phone numbers by 2025.

The PUCT said the 621 area code is expected to meet numbering needs for the next nine years.

RELATED: New Houston area code? 281, 713, 832, and 346 are projected to run out of numbers by 2025

Once telephone carriers run out of numbers, new numbers will be assigned to the new area code 621.

“Houston—and all of Texas—continues to grow because our state offers freedom and opportunity that cannot be found anywhere else in the world,” said Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement. “This new phone area code is a testament to the economic strength and quality of life in the greater Houston area. I thank the Public Utility Commission for taking this critical step to improve telephone infrastructure to meet the demands of our growing state.”

The Greater Houston area has four area codes -- the first one being 713 which was created in 1947. Then in 1996, the area code 281 was added to split the region in half, mostly applied to suburbs.

After rapid growth, the 832 area code was added, creating an overlay for the combined Houston area and allowing residents to dial 10 digits.

In 2013, the 346 area code was added.