The 406 area code is running out of room, but a new strategy is likely to extend its life

The looming threat of a second area code in Montana reared its controversial head again at Tuesday's Public Service Commission meeting.

Montana is one of a handful of states that still has a single area code, and the "406" has become a major part of the state's branding and identity. But regulators have long warned that the share of available phone numbers starting in "406" is running low.

At one point, the area code was projected to be exhausted in 2019, then again in 2022, then in 2027 and 2031. On Tuesday, that date was extended to early 2033, according to a presentation at the weekly Public Service Commission (PSC) meeting.

When the projected time of exhaustion of an area code reaches three years, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator will initiate the process of creat