Is There Any Way To Find Out What A Telephone Number From 1979 Is Now?

[utepoot]

We would like to find out the new number from a number that we have from 1979. We know the address, but not the name. Is there any way to do this? Back then, the area code was only four digits, and the phone number five digits. Any ideas?

[Tuvok]

I would assume that the code had the 1 added to it.

As for the number, if you know the town/village etc. then why not look up a business there and guess!

[Buenchico]

Please tell us the town/city, the old code and the number. (If you don't want to provide the full number, please provide the first 2 digits). Then we might be able to work out what that number changed to.

[bhg481]

Most area codes inserted a 1 between the initial 0 and the rest of the 4 digits eg, 0734 became 01734. Later some codes eg Bristol, Sheffield, Reading changed completely to become 0117, 0118 etc.
For example, Reading number 0734 12345 became 01734 12345,then
01734 x12345 and eventually
0118 9x12345.
where "x" was an extra digit put in to increase the range of numbers (4 in our case).
I hope that gets you started on your search.

[atalanta]

It is just possible that some Public Library Local History collections may have archived some old phone books. I expect the British Library has also done so, but getting hold of those is a bit of a palaver. Even if you do not have a name, there will be a list of codes in the front of each book.

[Sycamore3House]

In my home town in the early 80's the phone numbers changed from 4 numbers to 6 numbers this was done by the prefix 87 and then the original 4 digit number. The town numbers still start with 87. Look up some businesses in the town and you may get the same prefix