Coming soon: 10-digit dialing
(Harrisburg) — People who live in the 717 area code have a little over a month to start practicing their 10-digit dialing.
Because of population growth and the demand for more phone numbers for things like cell phones and other electronics, the 717 area code is nearly out of new numbers.
Starting August 26th, a new code–223– will also be used in the region, meaning people will need to dial ten digits to make all phone calls, even local calls.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission spokesman Nils Hagen-Frederiksen says they are recommending people check all their devices and systems that may rely on a phone number.
“You might have an alarm system. You might have a medical alert or life support system that automatically dials a telephone number to alert somebody if the alarm is tripped or if you push a button,” he said.
You can check with service providers to make sure those systems can dial ten digits.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
