New 838 Area Code Takes Effect For New Lines In Eastern NY

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The new 838 area code is taking effect for new phone service in eastern New York.

The state Public Service Commission says as of Tuesday, customers seeking new service or an additional line in the 518 region may be assigned the new 838 area code.

The 518 region spans 17 counties from the Catskills to Canada and from the eastern Mohawk Valley to the Vermont border. The new 838 area code was overlaid in the area to meet demand for new telephone numbers.

The overlay requires all consumers to dial 10 digits, even within their own area code.

It's the second new area code overlay to take effect this year in New York. In the 315 area of central New York, a 680 overlay took effect in March.