ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The days of 7-digit dialing are coming to an end in eastern New York's 518 area code region.

The state Public Service Commission has approved an area code "overlay" in the 17-county 518 region to meet demand for new phone numbers. That means existing numbers will keep the 518 area code and new ones will get a new area code.

Because there will be two area codes within the region, everybody will have to dial 10 digits for local calls. To call outside the region, they'll have to dial 11 digits — 1 plus the area code and 7-digit number.

The change will be phased in over a period of months.

The area code for new numbers will be assigned by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

 

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