717 and 223 Area Code Overlay Information

The Public Utility Commission is adding a new 223 area code in Pennsylvania, and it will cover the same geographical area as the 717 area code. Now, all calls dialed within the 717 and 223 area codes will require dialing both the area code and the seven-digit number. The 717 code and the new 223 code cover south central Pennsylvania, and this means that Elizabethtown is affected by this!

No existing phone numbers will change! But you are required to dial the area code and the seven-digit number for all calls. If you do not do this, you’ll be prompted by your carrier to enter the area code.

It’s easy when typing out a phone number into a desktop phone to skip the area code. You cannot do this anymore. The phone call will not go through without its area code. 

Also, be sure to update programmed phone numbers in your phone’s contacts to make sure that local numbers have 717 or 223 area codes.

In addition to programmed phone numbers, make sure to add the area code to things like:

• 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

Also, be sure to 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.

Note: numbers like 911 are not affected; only three digits are required.

For more information, please visit Verizon’s code overlay FAQs.