News

March 8, 2017

New 838 Area Code Added to Region Currently Served by 518

The New York Public Service Commission recently approved an “area code relief plan” for the part of New York that is currently served by the 518 area code, adding a new 838 area code to the region.

Below is a timeline for these changes:
March 18, 2017 — You should begin dialing using the area code + telephone number whenever you place a call from the 518 area code. If you forget and dial just seven digits, your call will still be completed.

August 19, 2017 — You must use the new dialing procedures, as described above, for all calls.

September 19, 2017 — New telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 838 area code.
What will remain the same?

  • Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
  • The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change.
  • What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
  • You will continue to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all calls to other area codes (outside of 518 and 838).
  • You can still dial just three digits to reach 911. If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community you will still dial these codes with just three digits.