New 838 Area Code In Eastern NY Ushers In 10-Digit Dialing

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — People in upstate New York's 518 area code have less than a month to prepare for 10-digit dialing.

Phone users in the eastern New York area code will have to dial the extra digits for local telephone calls beginning Aug. 19. That's because of the new 838 area code, which will be overlaid in the area served by 518 on Sept. 19.

The overlay requires consumers to dial 10 digits within the dual area code. People will continue to dial 1 plus the area code for calls to other area codes.

The state Public Service Commission approved the 838 area code last September to ensure there will continue to be enough telephone numbers to meet demand in eastern New York.

The 518 area code is used in 17 counties.