Officials expect it’ll be at least three years before Nebraska’s new 531 area code makes its debut.

The Lincoln Journal Star says the North American Numbering Plan Administration oversees national area codes and says the number will be phased in.

Joe Cocke with the administration says planning for the Nebraska phase-in began about 10 years ago.

There are 26 prefixes remaining to be used in the 402 area code. When that drops to 10, the 531 area code will be set up for new lines.

Last year Nebraska used up only six prefixes.