ALBANY — The new 838 area code will take full effect tomorrow, Tuesday, September 20 across what has formally been known as “the 518.”
Residents requesting new service or an additional line will be issued numbers beginning with 838, rather than the traditional 518. The expansion was approved last year due to the growing demand for new phone numbers in the area and the lack of 518 numbers available.
In August, phone companies began requiring callers to dial full nine-digit phone numbers when making local calls, a policy that will not change with the introduction of 838.
The actual coverage zone of the area code has not changed and calls to three digit services, like 911, are not affected.
