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717 Area Code Overlay

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Pennsylvania 717/223 Area Code Overlay – NEW Dialing Instructions for the 717 area code

The Public Utility Commission is adding a new area code in Pennsylvania.  The 223 area code is being added to the same geographic area currently served by the 717 area code to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers.

Beginning August 26, 2017 all calls dialed within the 717/223 area code will require dialing both the area code and the seven-digit number to accommodate the new 223 area code.  On or after this date, if you don’t use the new calling procedure, your call won’t be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

Who’s affected by the Pennsylvania 717 / 223 area code overlay?

Anyone who has a phone number with a 717 area code is affected, as well as anyone who receives a phone number from the 223 area code in the future. The 717 area code covers the south central portion of Pennsylvania, including communities such as:

  • Gettysburg
  • Harrisburg
  • Lancaster
  • Lebanon
  • York

The 223 area code will cover the same geographic area as the 717 area code.

What’s the new calling procedure for customers with a 717 or 223 area code?

You won’t have to change your existing area code or phone number. However, because more than one area code will now serve the same geographic area, it does require you to dial or enter the area code and the 7-digit number for all calls, including calls within the same area code.

When will the Pennsylvania 717 / 223 area code overlay calling change begin?

Beginning August 26, 2017, if you have a 717 area code, the new calling procedure will be required for all calls.

Beginning September 26, 2017, new phone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 223 area code. If you have a 223 area code, you must enter the area code and 7-digit phone number on all calls or the call won’t be completed.

Will the Pennsylvania 717 / 223 area code overlay affect my service?

No, the only change is entering the area code for all calls. Your current area code and phone number won’t change. The price of a call, your plan and coverage area, and other rates and services won’t change because of the overlay. All local calls will remain local, regardless of the number of digits entered.

What will I need to do to prepare for the Pennsylvania 717 / 223 area code overlay?

In addition to entering the area code and phone number for all calls, you should also complete the following items:

  • Update any pre-programmed 7-digit phone numbers in your mobile device to include the area code, as well as any text or email alert services, and any call forwarding services.
  • Re-program all services and devices that use a 7-digit phone number to include the area code, including automatic dialing equipment. Examples include:
    • Life safety systems and medical monitoring devices
    • Fire or burglar alarm and security systems
    • Security gates
    • Speed dialers
    • Call forwarding settings
    • Fax machines
    • Internet dial-up numbers
    • Voicemail services and similar functions
  • Check your websites, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information, personal or pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.

What will remain the same after the Pennsylvania 717 / 223 area code overlay is implemented?

The following items will remain the same and won’t change:

  • Your phone number, including current area code
  • The price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services
  • Calls that are considered local now will remain local calls, regardless of the number of digits entered
  • 911 calls aren’t affected, only 3 digits are required
  • If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community, you’ll still be able to call them by entering just 3 digits

This blog post was adapted from information provided by Verizon.