New area code coming to East Tennessee

Portions of East Tennessee will be receiving a new area code due to growth in the region. The Tennessee Public Utility Commission said the current 423 area code will run out of numbers by the end of 2025 and as a result, a new 729 area code will soon be issued. Existing customers will keep their numbers, but new customers or additional lines may be assigned the 729 area code once it is activated. The area code will be centered around the Tri-Cities area and Chattanooga. The Knoxville and Oak Ridge area already have their own 865 area code, which was added in 1999.