[FYI] Changes in 518 Area Code Dialing

All Customers with a New York 518 Area Code Must Dial Area Code + Telephone Number For all Local Calls Beginning August 19, 2017. What is the New York 518 / 838 area code overlay? An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code. In New York, the 838 area code is being added to the area served by the 518 area code to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers. You won’t have to change your existing area code or phone number. However, because more than one area code will now serve the same geographic area, it does require you to dial or enter the area code and the 7-digit number for all calls, including calls within the same area code. Who’s affected by the New York 518 / 838 area code overlay? Anyone who has a phone number with a 518 area code is affected, as well as anyone who receives a phone number from the 838 area code in the future. The 518 area code covers the northeast portion of New York, including communities such as: Albany Clifton Park Glens Falls Gloversville Lake Placid Plattsburgh Saranac Schenectady Troy What’s the new calling procedure for customers with a 518 or 838 area code? The new 838 area code is being added to the geographic area served by the 518 area code. Because more than one area code will serve the same geographic area, if you have a 518 or 838 phone number, you’ll need to enter the area code for all calls – including calls within the same area code. To complete local calls from a phone with a 518 or 838 area code, the new calling procedure requires you to enter the area code and 7-digit phone number. When will the New York 518 / 838 area code overlay calling change begin? Beginning March 18, 2017, if you have a 518 area code, you should start entering the area code for all calls. There will be a grace period, so if you forget and enter just 7 digits during the grace period, your call will still be completed. Beginning August 19, 2017, if you have a 518 area code, the new calling procedure will be required for all calls. On or after this date, if you don’t use the new calling procedure, your call won’t be completed […]