The 313 area code in part of Ann Arbor will go the way of the rotary phone starting this December.
Effective Dec. 13, 1997, the 313 area code used with most local phone numbers will change to 734.
Brandy Woodward, a sales representative for Ameritech, said it is conceivable that some regions will be separated into two different zones after the change.
"Changes in area codes do not go by city or towns," Woodward said. "However, at this point in time, it appears that most University phone numbers will be affected by the change."
Woodward said Ameritech has already sent literature about the upcoming change to the public.
"The new phone books will also list the prefixes that will be affected," Woodward said.
In the Ann Arbor community, numbers with the prefixes 764, 763, 213, 994, 332, 997, 930, 996, 669, 647 and 761 will be among those subject to change to the 734 area code on Dec. 13.
Woodward said the area code is being changed due to the dramatic increase in fax, computer and pager numbers in recent years.
"We are simply running out of numbers in the old area code," Woodward said. "By changing to the new area code, we will open up access to more numbers."
Woodward said the area code change will not affect telephone rates.
"We want everyone to realize that phone numbers that are local now will still be local after the change," Woodward said.
Most University students said the area code change is a surprise to them.
"This is the first time I have heard about it," said Engineering junior Charles Garnett. "I don't think it will be a big problem, though."
Woodward said that when the 734 area code goes into effect in December, callers will be able to use the old or new area code until July 25, 1998 "for the sake of transition."
She said that after July 25, it will be mandatory to use the 734 code. Callers who dial the wrong code after this date will receive a recorded message reminding them of the change.
This recording will be provided for two or three months.