Those getting new land-lines or cell phones in eastern Nebraska will soon see a new area code assignment. The new 531 code will also be used in the 402 code area. Cullen Robbins is GIS Analyst and Information Technology – Telecom specialist with the Nebraska Public Service Commission and is still uncertain when phone companies will be assigning the new area code but it is available for them to use when needed.

Public Service Commissioner Tim Schram says they ran out of numbers for the 402 code combination so the addition of the 531 code is to meet customer demand.

Those with a current 402 area code will be able to keep it.