Could a new area code be coming to KY? 502 area code expected to run out by 2027
Kentucky could be adding a new area code in the next few years.
The 502 area code, which covers the area from Frankfort to Louisville, is expected to run out in the third quarter of 2027, according to a report from the North American Numbering Plan.
The Kentucky Public Service Commission said a new area code must be created before the codes run out. When it comes to creating new area codes, officials can either geographically split the region or overlay a new area code in the region.
The North American Numbering Plan does not consider the area code to be in jeopardy, but said relief planning is in progress.
An area code is in jeopardy when “the forecasted and/or actual demand for NXX codes exceeds the known supply during the planning implementation interval for relief,” according to NANP guidelines.
The group gave the Public Service Commission five options for the new area code but suggested an overlay for the region, according to thecommission. In that option, 10-digit dialing would be necessary and phone numbers with the new area code would be distributed after 502 area code phone numbers run out.
A majority of telecommunications companies in the state prefer the overlay option as well, according to the commission.
Other options include geographically splitting the region, combining the area code with the 270 and 364 area code region and eliminating all area code boundaries in the state, according to the commission. The commission must choose an option by July 31, 2025.
Five public meetings were scheduled to hear comments from the community, two of which have already occurred.
The remaining three public meetings are scheduled to be held at:
Jefferson Community and Technical College Southwest Campus, 1000 Community College Drive, Louisville — June 5 at 6 p.m.
Carroll County Fiscal Courtroom, 440 Main St., Carrollton — June 16 at 6 p.m.
Kentucky Public Service Commission, 211 Sower Blvd., Frankfort — June 17 at 6 p.m.
“We want to hear from the telecommunications industry, from businesses that might be affected by the change, and from area code 502 residents,” Chair Angie Hatton said in a news release. “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.”
The 502 area code has been in service since Jan. 1, 1947.
The 502 area code was previously in jeopardy in October 1998. The area code was eventually split, and areas in and around Louisville retained the 502 area code while the rest of the region, largely western Kentucky, was given the 270 area code.
The 270 area code was activated in April 1999. Years later, in March 2014, the 364 area code was overlaid on top of the region, making it the only region in Kentucky to have multiple area codes.
The 270/364 area code isn’t expected to run out until the second quarter of 2099.
The 606 area code is the next area code in Kentucky expected to run out in 2033, according to the North American Numbering Plan. The 859 area code isn’t expected to run out until 2050.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 1:32 PM.
