You may have heard by now that the 502 area code, which serves Louisville, Frankfort, and surrounding communities in central Kentucky, is projected to run out of phone numbers by the end of 2027. This isn’t just about population growth; it’s also about how many devices we use these days. Between smartphones, tablets, smart watches, and business lines, it’s easy to see how the demand for numbers keeps growing.
So what’s the solution? The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) is looking at two main options. One is called a geographic split. That would divide the current 502 area into two parts—one keeping 502, the other getting a brand-new area code. The second option is called an overlay. That means everyone with a 502 number gets to keep it, but new numbers would be assigned a new area code. The catch with an overlay is that it requires 10-digit dialing for all calls, even if you’re just calling your neighbor across the street.
While those are the two main options, a few other ideas were considered, but most agree they aren’t very practical.
One of those would eliminate area code boundaries across the state. That would mean new numbers in any part of Kentucky could be assigned any of the state’s existing area codes. While that might sound like a simple fix, it could confuse and erase the local identity that area codes like 502 carry.
Another idea is a service-specific overlay, which would assign a new area code just for certain services, such as cell phones or internet-based calls. This approach has almost completely disappeared because it’s confusing for consumers and hard to manage.
Finally, there’s the most complicated idea of all—expanding the numbering pool. This would actually change the structure of phone numbers by adding extra digits to area codes or prefixes. As you can imagine, this would be a massive undertaking, requiring updates to systems across the country, which is why it’s almost never used.
The PSC isn’t making this decision alone—they want to hear from you. Public meetings are scheduled across the region in June to give folks a chance to weigh in on these options. Whether you’re a business owner, a first responder, a parent, or just someone who wants to avoid unnecessary confusion, your input is important.
Here’s when and where you can share your thoughts:
BARDSTOWN
6 p.m. Monday, June 2
Nelson Co. Fiscal Courtroom
One Court Square, Bardstown
GEORGETOWN
6 p.m. Tuesday, June 3
Scott Co. Fiscal Courtroom
160 E. Main St, Georgetown
LOUISVILLE
6 p.m. Thursday, June 5
Jefferson Community & Technical College Southwest Campus
1000 Community College Drive, Louisville
CARROLLTON
6 p.m. Monday, June 16
Carroll Co. Fiscal Courtroom
440 Main St, Carrollton
FRANKFORT
6 p.m. Tuesday, June 17
Kentucky Public Service Commission
211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort
How to Get Involved
Residents and businesses are encouraged to attend these meetings or submit written comments to the PSC.
More information is available at psc.ky.gov under Case No. 2024-00333.
