If you live in eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania, you may soon find yourself dialing a new set of numbers to make a call.
A new area code, 835, will join the existing 610 and 484 area codes in the region beginning Sept. 2, according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
There are already two overlay area codes in the region, so people already must dial 10 digits to make a telephone call. So the new area code won’t require any changes in that regard.
So, why the new addition?
The 835 area code is necessary because the supply of existing 610 and 484 phone numbers is nearly exhausted, and are estimated to run out early next year, the PUC said.
The 610 and 484 area codes serve residents and businesses in all or portions of Bucks, Berks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Schuylkill counties.
Current customers will keep their existing 610 and 484 numbers, but starting in September, residents or businesses seeking new telephone lines may be assigned numbers in the 835 area code.
So, what can you do to prepare for the 835 area code arrival?
The PUC urges consumers and businesses to prepare themselves by checking devices to verify that area codes are included with all stored numbers; and by continuing to program/save/store phone numbers to all devices using the 10-digit telephone number.
Also, remember to verify all services and equipment — such as automatic dialers; life and safety and medical alert systems; alarm/security systems and security gates; call-forwarding settings; and voicemail services — recognize the new area code as a valid phone number.
Listen to Pa. football fans will have to cough up the cash to see a game in 2025 | Today in Pa. for more information about the area code addition.
Read more via PUA.pa.gov.
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