The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has announced that a new area code is coming to southern Illinois next year. The new 730 area code will overlay the existing 618 area code to address the lack of prefixes available within the region. The first new prefix will not be introduced until early July of 2023. The 618 area code covers all or parts of 37 counties in Illinois including Lawrence. The 618 area code is one of 86 original area codes assigned throughout the United States back in 1947. Starting in July, customers in the 618 area code will be assigned a number in the new 730 area code when they request new phone service or an additional line.