10 Digit Dialing Coming to 518 Area Code

People with a New York 518 area code will soon have to begin dialing 10 digit phone numbers for local calls within the code region, which covers all or part of the state's 17 eastern counties. The new procedure will take effect on August 19 and comes as a result of the new 838 area code covering the same area.

To complete calls within the 518 area code region, the new dialing procedure requires callers to dial area code and telephone number. The same dialing procedure will apply to telephone numbers assigned to 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 due to the overlay.
• 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.

Beginning September 19, customers in the 518 area code region requesting new service, an additional line, or a move in the location of their service, may be given a number in the new 838 area code.

Read more from FirstLight or the NYS Department of Public Service.