Starting October 7, anyone placing a local call within Detroit’s “313” area code will need to dial all 10 digits—the area code plus the seven digit telephone number.

It’s the final phase of the implementation of the new “679” area code overlay for the city. Ryan McAnany is with the Michigan Public Service Commission. He spoke with WDET’s Bre’Anna about what residents can expect.

 The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Ryan McAnany: The “313”, area code is not being split. There’s just a new area code that’s being overlaid on top of it. And the reason for that “679” area code is that the “313” numbers are just running out now. After many, many decades, with the numbering demand of new technology, it’s just inevitable that numbers run out. And it’s projected that the “313” area code will be running out of numbers in 2028.

Bre’Anna Tinsley: So at what point can we expect people who are maybe getting new phone lines to be assigned a “679” number instead of “313”?

RA:  It’s very fluid, and that assignment is all dependent upon the numbering demand. Technically, it’ll be anytime after November 7 of this year that a new number could be assigned this “679” area code. However, those numbers will not be assigned that new area code until all of the “313” numbers have been used. Right now, projection is that the first quarter of 2028 is when the “313” numbers will run out. However, that can fluctuate quarter by quarter depending on the numbering demand.

BT: For me personally, for a while, I believe I’ve been using I have a “313” number, but I tend to find that when I’m dialing out, I have to use the entire the whole 10 digits in order to dial that. So, it’s interesting to me that there’s a significant number of people out there who probably aren’t doing that, where this kind of notification would be necessary?

RA: Yeah, it depends on the type of service that they’re using. If they’re using landline service, the traditional copper line landline, more than likely they won’t have to be dialing the 10-digit number. If you’re a wireless customer, that’s where you’re probably already using the “313” area code with a seven-digit number. So, it really depends on the type of telephone service that you have, whether it’s landline or wireless.

BT: Are there any other changes that residents should be aware of and what’s staying the same?

RA: The biggest point is everyone who has a “313” number will not be losing their number. “313” is not going away. It’ll still be there. Everyone who has that number will keep that number. The second point is, is making local calls. There won’t be a change in the rates or the cost. It’s that’ll remain the same. The biggest change is just that dialing pattern. Something else to keep in mind is that if you are a customer living in this area, you will want to make sure that you’re updating anything that’s associated with your telephone number that could be impacted by this dialing pattern change. So if you have a security system, a fire alarm system, medical equipment, things of that nature, you will want to make sure it’s been updated to include the area code and not just the seven digit number with it. And then also other things such as stationary, even your pet tags, making sure that those are updated now to include that “313” area code with it.

Wayne State University President Kimberly Espy is resigning.  That’s according to a source with knowledge of the situation. 

Espy has reportedly been under pressure from the school’s board of governors to step down.  In recent weeks, there’s been criticism about the unexplained decision to place the dean of Wayne State’s Medical School on leave. 

A story by the Detroit News says the Interim Med School Dean resigned because his appointment did not follow proper channels.  Espy was also criticized for not fully engaging in the Detroit community.  She did not appear at an event on campus Monday to announce a program to make it easier for DPSCD high school students to attend Wayne State. 

Espy became the President of the university in August 2023.  A Wayne State Board of Governors’ meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday September 17, 2025

Mayoral Debate 

WXYZ-TV has announced that it will broadcast a Detroit mayoral debate on Wednesday, October 15. 

The television station will host City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch in its Southfield studios that evening.  Sheffield and Kinloch were the two candidates receiving the most votes in the city’s August primary. 

The October debate will be moderated by Chuck Stokes and Carolyn Clifford. 

679 Area Code 

Get ready to dial a few extra digits every time you call someone on your phone.  Starting October 7, residents will need to dial all 10 numbers when making a call.  In other words, all calls will need an area code. That’s to get folks ready for the new 679 area code.  That new code takes effect on November 7. 

Detroit residents seeking new phone numbers after that may receive a 679 area code once all 313 numbers are exhausted.   Residents in Wayne County suburbs such as Redford Township, Highland Park, Hamtramck and Dearborn will also be affected by the change. 

Fall safety

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is working to keep older adults from falling and getting injured. 

The department is collaborating with the Michigan Falls Prevention Council and the National Council on Aging.  They’re offering special online tools for risk assessment and fall prevention classes online. 

A webpage provides a directory of programs to help senior citizens stay healthy.  Residents can also call 2-1-1 to speak with a live operator about resources in the area. 

Next week is Falls Prevention Awareness Week. 

Detroit Grand Prix Dates 

The Detroit Grand Prix has confirmed its dates for next year. 

The race through downtown streets will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026.  That’s the weekend after Memorial Day.  And as has been the case for many years, it’s the weekend following the running of the Indianapolis 500. 

Detroit Grand Prix organizers say 156,000 people came downtown to watch events over this year’s three-day weekend.  They say more than a million people watched the Grand Prix on television this year. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.