The massive area from south of Albany to the Canadian border will no longer be the great “518.” On August 19th the Northeast Region of New York will welcome the 838 area code. “The 518” area is overgrown, currently covering 17 counties, and in order to continue the supply of new phone numbers, the 838 area code will be introduced. Learn how this change will affect your calls and how to prepare!
Starting August 19th, 10-digit dialing will become mandatory. Because more than one area code will be serving the same geographical region, everyone must dial the full 10-digit code, even for local phone calls. If you fail to enter the area code, your call will not be completed and you’ll be asked to dial again.
Don’t worry, no current numbers will be changed and pricing on phone calls will remain the same- you just have to dial 3 extra digits. It is important to note that 911 and other 3-digit calls will not change!
Prepare For A Seamless Switch
The NY Public Service Commission made some great recommendations for this transition:
- When giving your phone number out to friends, family, business partners etc. always include the area code
- Update services and devices before the switch such as; fax machines, call forwarding settings, personal or pet ID tags etc.
- Change any current local contacts to 10-digit phone numbers
Say goodbye to “the 518” as the days of 7 digit dialing are coming to an end and say hello to “the 518/838” region of Northeastern NY.
