Now a new area code, 928, has been introduced splitting the 520 area code. The new area code came into effect on June 23, 2001. Permissive dialing began at that time. This means that using either the old or new area code is allowed. Mandatory dialing of the new area code to those areas affected will begin January 5, 2002.
So who gets this new area code? The 520 area code will remain in Tucson and parts of southern Arizona. Pinal, Pima, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties will retain the 520 area code, with the exception of a few small areas where rate centers cross county lines. The rest of Arizona, including Yuma County, will get the new 928 area code. The 928 area code is being assigned to the following communities, among others:
| Bullhead City | Page |
| Camp Verde | Payson |
| Clifton | Pinetop |
| Cottonwood | Prescott |
| East Kingman | Quartzsite |
| Flagstaff | Safford |
| Gila Bend | Sedona |
| Globe | Show Low |
| Grand Canyon | Somerton |
| Kingman | Wickenburg |
| Lake Havasu City | Window Rock |
| Mohave Valley | Winslow |
| Yuma |
