To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the new 838 area code will be added to the area served by 518. The new 838 area code will serve the same geographic area currently served by the existing 518 area code which covers all or part of 17 counties in eastern upstate New York, serving communities such as Albany, Plattsburgh, and Lake Placid. This is known as an area code overlay.
There will be a transition period from March 18 to August 19, 2017. During this time, customers can dial either the seven or ten digit number (the area code plus seven-digit local telephone number or just the seven-digit number currently used) for calls or faxes within the 518 area code.
Following the transition period on August 19, 2017, residential, business and wireless customers will be REQUIRED to dial ten digits on both calls and faxes within the 518 and 838 area codes. The price of a call and other telephone services will not change.
After August 19, 2017 it will be MANDATORY to dial the area code (518 or 838) and the local phone number.