Get the Facts: Kentucky's '502' area code running out of phone numbers, new 3 digits possible
Central Kentucky's signature 502 area code could soon run out of available phone numbers, and locals have mixed opinions about it.
For some in the Louisville area, the three digits are part of their identity. Others, however, don't seem to mind a change.
"The Fleur de Lis, Louisville, 502, we're kind of known for that," said Travis Seawright, a barber in the Highlands.
"Who really remembers people's phone numbers anymore? You just click on the name in the contacts list," Dylan Simmons, originally from western Kentucky, said.
One lifelong Louisvillian was indifferent.
"We've had to deal with all kinds of changes in our lives. Changing a number? That's small potatoes," said John Fegenbush.
A shortage of phone numbers for an area code isn't something that happens often in the region. In fact, it hasn't happened in a quarter of a century.
"Since it hasn't happened in 25 years, I think we were a little surprised," said Angie Hatton, chair of the Kentucky Public Service Commission.
By the third quarter of 2027, the PSC predicts the 502 area code for Louisville and surrounding counties will likely be exhausted. Hatton said population growth and economic development are the reasons for the shortage of available phone numbers.
The possible change was news to two yoga instructors at a studio with the city's three digits in its name.
"Maybe it would be kind of cool to, like, have that be like the OG 502," said Stephanie Kersting, manager of 502 Power Yoga on Dundee Road.
She was relieved to find out the business would not need to change its phone number, and neither would anyone whose number already starts with 502. Once the numbers run out, only new phone numbers would come with a new area code.
"It probably will be a bit of an inconvenience for everyone, once the new area code goes into effect," Hatton said.
Unlike the area code "split" that took place years ago, this would be considered an "overlay," meaning multiple area codes would function within the same region. That said, dialing all 10 digits would be required, even for local calls.
As for a possible new area code, the three digits have yet to be determined.
How locals feel about the change will be considered during five public input meetings hosted by the Kentucky Public Service Commission:
- June 2 (6 p.m.) at Nelson County Fiscal Court in Bardstown
- June 3 (6 p.m.) at Scott County Fiscal Court in Georgetown
- June 5 (6 p.m.) at Jefferson Community & Technical College Southwest Campus in Louisville
- June 16 (6 p.m.) at Carroll County Fiscal Court in Carrollton
- June 17 (6 p.m.) at Kentucky Public Service Commission in Frankfort