New area code being added to 814 region, Public Utility Commission announces

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A new area code is being added to the region currently covered by the 814 area code, state officials announced Thursday.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission says it voted 4-0 to approve a year-long implementation plan which will lead to the start of a new “overlay” for the current 814 area code.

The new area code will be announced in the fall.

The 814 area code currently covers all or parts of 27 counties across the Central and Northwestern parts of the state.

The plan includes adding the new area code to the 814 region to be assigned to customers when there are no longer any 814 phone numbers available.

Officials say the move will preserve existing phone numbers for residents and businesses in the area while ensuring there will be a supply of new phone numbers available for the next 67 years.

“First and foremost, it is important for residents and businesses throughout the 814 area code to understand that there will be no change in their telephone service,” stressed PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille. “The proposal approved by the Commission today ensures that customers currently using 814 telephone numbers will keep their existing numbers, and the PUC is launching a year-long education campaign to help everyone prepare for a second ‘local’ area code in the region.”

Officials say the biggest adjustment will be that people will eventually have to start dialing 10-digit numbers when making calls – this will include dialing the three-digit area code along with the seven-digit number.

The PUC says, between now and Spring 2021, it will help businesses, customers and community leaders adjust to the change and prepare for the addition of the new area code.

They provided this timetable:

  • April 30, 2020 – Plan approved / Education efforts begin.
  • October 1, 2020 – Residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily start 10-digit dialing for calls in the 814 area code.
  • April 1, 2021 – 10-digit dialing will be required for all calls.
  • May 1, 2021 – The new overlay area code will be placed into service. (New area code numbers will not be assigned until available 814 numbers are exhausted)

The 814 area code was established in 1947 and is one of Pennsylvania’s four original area codes.

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