The historic 210 area code synonymous with San Antonio now shares its map with 726. The overlay keeps fresh numbers flowing without forcing anyone to give up a cherished 210 line, but it also cements ten digit (or 1 + ten digit) dialing for every local call. Here’s the concise rundown.
New 726 Area Code Overlay
Regulators layered 726 on top of 210 rather than splitting the region. Existing numbers remain unchanged; only new lines may receive 726. Because two codes now serve one geography, every local call must include the area code plus the seven digit number.
210 / 726 Area Code Region
The overlay covers most of Bexar County including San Antonio, Alamo Heights, Converse, Helotes, Leon Valley, Shavano Park, Universal City, and Windcrest and small sections of Atascosa, Comal, Guadalupe, Medina, and Wilson counties.
Dialing Rules
Landlines: Dial 1 + area code + phone number (11 digits total).
Mobile phones: Dial area code + phone number (10 digits) or 1 + area code + number either works.
Seven digit dialing no longer completes a call.
Mandatory ten digit dialing began September 23 2017.
Key Dates for the 726 Roll Out
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| March 25 2017 | Permissive 7 /10 digit dialing period starts |
| September 23 2017 | Mandatory 10 /11 digit dialing for local calls |
| October 23 2017 | First 726 numbers become available |
What Stays the Same
- Your current 210 number does not change.
- Local calling areas and pricing remain identical 726 carries no extra fees.
- Three digit services (911, 211, 311, etc.) still dial with three digits.
- Long distance rules and toll rates stay exactly the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why add 726 instead of splitting the map?
Overlays avoid the cost and disruption of forcing residents and businesses to change long standing numbers.
Will caller ID look odd to customers?
No 726 simply indicates a newer assignment within the same San Antonio footprint.
Do mobile users have to dial “1”?
Most wireless carriers complete calls with either ten or eleven digits; landlines generally need the leading “1.”
Does the overlay raise call charges?
No. Rate center boundaries and tariffs remain unchanged.
