By By SHERRY DIGMON
Advance Staff Writer
On June 18, Frontier Communications will begin a six-month transition period in implementing the area code change for the Mobile calling zone. The 334 code becomes 251 on Jan. 7, 2002. Until then, customers may dial either 334 or 251 and the call will be processed.
Frontier has had few calls or comments concerning the upcoming area code change, according to Marketing Manager Ren Godwin.
The local calling area will not change. Long distance calls under 334 will be long distance under 251.
Customers may need to reprogram modems, telephone features such as speed-dialing and call-forwarding, fax machines, alarm systems and cell phones with speed-dialing and call-forwarding.
Communities affected by the area code change are Atmore, Bay Minette, Bayou la Batre, Beatrice, Belle Fontaine, Bon Secour, Brewton, Castlebery, Chatom, Citronelle, Coffeeville, Dauphin Island, Deer Park, Elberta, Evergreen, Excel, Fairhope, Finchburg, Flomaton, Foley, Fort Morgan, Fowl River, Frankville, Frisco City, Fruitdale, Gilbertown, Gosport, Grand Bay, Grove Hill, Gulf Shores, Huxford, Irvington, St. Elmo, Jackson, Lillian, Loxley, Magnolia Springs, McCullough, McIntosh, Millry, Mobile, Monroeville, Mount Vernon, Orange Beach, Peterman, Pine Apple, Repton, Robertsdale, Seminole, Silas, Summerdale and Uriah.