Area code 614

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Area code 614, which had covered the entire southeastern quarter of the state of Ohio for decades, now represents only the Columbus metropolitan area. In 1998, most of the old 614 territory was split into the new area code 740. In 2001, it was announced that 614 would run out of phone numbers, and it was decided that a new area code 380 would be overlaid over 614 with the same geographic boundaries, and 10-digit dialing was made optional. It was planned that after a year, 10-digit dialing would become mandatory and new 380 numbers would be issued. In the intervening time, the growth of fax machines and mobile phones dropped significantly, and new relief efforts such as number pooling were instituted, and it seemed that a new area code would not be necessary in the immediate future. In early 2002, the 380 overlay plan was suspended indefinitely. 10-digit dialing remains optional, and the 380 area code remains reserved for Columbus but not used, as of 2007.