For Qwest customers, 10-digit dialing currently works in the 541 area code for local calls, Qwest spokesman Bob Gravely said. It will not be required, however, unless a new area code is overlaid.

The 541 area code was added in 1995 and includes Albany, Eugene, Florence, The Dalles and Pendleton, covering all but the northwestern part of the state.

The 541 area code includes Corvallis and much of Oregon outside of Portland and Salem. Because it takes a long time to implement a new area code, the PUC is starting its public comment process now.

The new 458 area code will serve the same function in southern and eastern Oregon. It will "overlay" the region, with both 541 and 458 area codes assigned to the same region.

THE DALLES, Ore. (AP) -- Starting Jan. 10 in much of Oregon that uses a 541 area code, every phone call we make, even to someone on the other side of the street, will require that we dial a full ...

SALEM, Ore. -- The Public Utility Commission has added a telephone area code for much of Oregon: 458. Beginning in 2010, it will be assigned in the area that uses 541 -- all of the state outside ...

The 458 and 541 area codes will encompass nearly all of the state except an area from Salem to Astoria, which will use Oregon's original 503 code, plus its 971 code.