It’s still a year or more away, but Oregon residents in the 541 area code region will have to begin dealing with a new one: 458.

The new area code will appear in early 2010, when the state Public Utility Commission implements the change to keep from running out of 541 phone numbers.

The new code will take effect as an overlay in the 541 region, which covers most of Oregon. No one with a 541 area code will have to change it, but new numbers given out after the change will be assigned the 458 code.

One thing will change, however. All Oregon residents eventually will have to dial 10 digits to make a call, regardless of where it goes.

The overlay plan was one of four the PUC considered during a series of informational meetings across southern and Eastern Oregon this summer. Dave Sloan, PUC senior telecommunications analyst, said there wasn’t broad support for any of them. Rather, the overlay simply drew the least opposition.

“There were four options that were looked at, and the other three options just fell out,” Sloan said. “It’s just a matter of pick the best one.”

Other plans would have forced some residents and businesses to change their phone numbers – a move that could put a financial pinch on some smaller businesses having to change signs or stationery as a result, Sloan said.

The change leaves Oregon with four area codes in two regions – the 503/971 area in northwest Oregon, and now a 541/458 area covering the rest of the state. The overlay plan would provide enough new phone numbers for 24 years, the PUC reported.

Sloan said he expects “permissive dialing” to begin next August, allowing residents to dial either seven or 10 digits on local calls. Within the first few months of 2010, he said, all 541 residents must dial all 10 numbers.

After the change, customers won’t see any change in cost. Dialing for 9-1-1 emergency also will remain the same.