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.
VERIZON'S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media
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visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.
Related Links
http://www.verizon.com/
https://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.verizonenterprise.com/
http://www.verizon.com/about/
Media contact:
Mike
Murphy
781-932-1213
Michael.Murphy@verizonwireless.com
Twitter: @mikemurphypr
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SOURCE Verizon