By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – Southern Illinois might get a new area code.
The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a plan on Wednesday to start all new numbers in the region with 730, but not before 2008.
Existing numbers will get to keep the current area code, 618.
ICC spokeswoman Beth Bosch says the new area codes will apply to land lines, cell phone phones and fax machines. There will be no additional costs for dialing 730 versus 618.