According to the Illinois Commerce Commission, the 447 prefix will be implemented for the 217 region after March 29, 2021. The 447 area code will overlay the existing 217 area code to address depletion of the current prefix. Current 217 users will retain the original code. New phone numbers may receive a number with the new overlay area code.
Prior to the assignment of numbers in the new area code, customers will have a six-month period time, between August of 2020 and February of 2021, to adjust to dialing the additional digits to complete their calls, prior to it becoming mandatory.
