Mandatory 10-digit dialing in south-central Pennsylvania's 717 area code begins August 26, 2017

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon announced today that beginning August 26, 2017, all local calls made within the Pennsylvania 717 area code must be placed using a 10-digit telephone number (area code plus the 7-digit telephone number). This change paves the way for an additional area code (223) for new telephone lines and services in the same geography. 

To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved an all services overlay for the 717 area code. The new 223 area code will be "overlaid" or superimposed over the same geographical area as the 717 area code, which generally covers the south-central portion of the state and serves communities such Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York.

Since March 4, 2017, customers have been able to place calls within the 717 area code by dialing the customary 7 digits or by dialing 10 digits (area code + 7 digits). However, on August 26, 2017, the option to place calls within the 717 area code using 7 digits will end, and all calls within the 717 and 223 area codes must be placed using the 10-digit telephone number. If customers forget and dial just 7 digits, then the call will not be completed and the customers will hear an announcement instructing them to hang up and redial using the area code.

Beginning September 26, 2017, the new 223 area code becomes effective, and customers in the 717 area code region requesting new service, an additional line, or in some cases moving their service, may be assigned a number in the new 223 area code. Customers receiving a 223 number must include the area code on every call placed as well.

The most important facts that consumers and businesses need to know about the upcoming 223 area code overlay are:

• Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
• You will need to dial area code + telephone number for all local calls. 
• You will continue to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all long distance calls.
• What is a local call now will remain a local call. 
• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
• You can still dial just three digits to reach 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 where they are available.

Customers are reminded to identify their telephone numbers as a ten digit number (area code + 7-digit telephone number), and include the area code when giving the number to their friends, family, business associates and business customers, etc. They should also check their business and personal stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, and personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included in their telephone number.

Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, applications, software, or other types of equipment that are programmed to dial just 7 digits within the 717 area code are re-programmed to dial the area code + 7-digit telephone number. Some examples are life safety systems and medical monitoring devices, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems or gates, speed dialers, mobile and cordless phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions. Customers should also ensure that such services and equipment recognize the new 223 area code as a valid area code.  Remember that all 7-digit calls today must be re-programmed to 10-digits.

For more information, please visit the Verizon (wireline or wireless) websites or the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission website. If Verizon wireline customers have questions they should call 1-800 VERIZON (837-4966); Verizon Wireless customers should call 1-800-922-0204.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York City, has a diverse workforce of 163,400 and generated nearly $126 billion in 2016 revenues. Verizon operates America's most reliable wireless network and the nation's premier all-fiber network, and delivers integrated solutions to businesses worldwide. Its Oath subsidiary houses more than 50 media and technology brands that engage about 1 billion people around the world.

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Media contact:
Mike Murphy
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[email protected]
Twitter: @mikemurphypr

SOURCE Verizon

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