Houston gets new area code to keep from running out of phone numbers

Houston is adding an additional area code, with 346 overlaying existing area codes 713, 281 and 832 in Harris, Fort Bend, Waller, Austin, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Liberty, Chambers, Galveston and Brazoria counties. (Public Utility Commission of Texas) less Houston is adding an additional area code, with 346 overlaying existing area codes 713, 281 and 832 in Harris, Fort Bend, Waller, Austin, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Liberty, Chambers, Galveston and Brazoria ... more Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close Houston gets new area code to keep from running out of phone numbers 1 / 24 Back to Gallery

With great growth comes change, and soon Houston will be getting another area code to accommodate telecommunications. Say hello to 346.

The Public Utility Commission announced the addition today:

"The 346 area code will overlay existing area codes 713, 281 and 832 in Harris, Fort Bend, Waller, Austin, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Liberty, Chambers, Galveston and Brazoria counties," said a release from the PUC.

A projection that the existing area codes would run out of numbers by September 2014 was what lead to 346 being added to the Houston area.

Starting July 1, 2014, new phone numbers can get the 346 area code.