MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Public Service Commission has approved a new area code that will overlay the 256 area code in parts of north and east Alabama.

That means phone customers will have to start dialing ten-digits instead of seven digits for local calls.

The PSC took the action Tuesday because the 256 area code is supposed to run out of available numbers in 2011.

The three-digits for the new area code have not been determined but it is supposed to be in place in about 15 months. The PSC vote was unanimous.