Houston to need fifth area code by late 2025

The last area code was added for Houston residents just nine years ago, but a new one already is calling in.

The Texas Public Utility Commission, which oversees the state’s telecommunication network, is allowing the public to comment on a petition filed by the North American Planning Administrator that would add a fifth area code to the greater Houston area.

The utility commission and planning administrator jointly anticipate that the current area codes (713, 281, 832 and 346) will run out of numbers by the last few months of 2025.

“The new area code would overlay existing area codes, which currently serve the greater metropolitan area of the City of Houston and

smaller cities, including Alvin, Baytown, Cleveland, Cypress, Dickinson,

Friendswood, Humble, Katy, Kemah, League City, Richmond, Rosenburg,

Rosharon, Spring, Sugar Land, and Tomball, within the counties of Brazoria,

Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, and Waller,” according to a news release this week from the utility commission.

The news release said there would be no effect on existing phone numbers. Current customers must dial 10-digit phone numbers to place calls locally; a fifth area code would not change these requirements.

The last area code added in 2014 brought 8 million new phone numbers. However, as Houston became the second fastestgrowing metro area in the U.S. , the numbers eventually ran out.

Residents interested in submitting a comment about the new area code proposal,can do so on the utility commissions website until Aug.5. The organization has posted instructions here.

Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer A woman watches an early morning fog rolls out of downtown Houston from Eleanor Tinsley Park. The city could need a fifth area code by late 2025.