317

The 317 area code, with a rich history and significant role in Indiana's telecommunication landscape, presents three key facts worth noting: Historical Evolution: Initially, in 1947, the 317 area code covered the northern two-thirds of Indiana. However, a year later, in 1948, it was redefined to serve only central Indiana. The northern third of the state, including cities like Gary, Hammond, and Fort Wayne, was then assigned area code 219. This shift marked the first significant change in Indiana's original area code plan​​. Geographical Coverage: Today, area code 317 encompasses Indianapolis and nine surrounding counties in central Indiana. These include Marion, Boone, Hancock, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Morgan, and Shelby counties. The area code is integral to connecting a significant portion of Indiana's population and various key cities and towns within these counties​​​​. Introduction of Overlay Code: The rapid increase in the use of pagers and cell phones in the late 20th and early 21st centuries led to a depletion of available numbers in the 317 area code. Anticipating its exhaustion by 2017, the Indiana Regulatory Commission decided to introduce area code 463 in 2016 as an overlay for the same region. This addition necessitated ten-digit dialing for all calls in the area and marked 317 as the second area code in Indiana to receive an overlay, following area code 812 which was overlaid with 930 in March 2015​​. In conclusion, the 317 area code, deeply rooted in Indiana's telecommunication history, has evolved and adapted to meet the changing needs of its residents. From its initial broad coverage to its current focus on central Indiana, and with the addition of the 463 overlay, it continues to be a vital part of the state's communication infrastructure.