Pennsylvania Getting Yet Another Area Code

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The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted today to split up the (814) area code.  This area code, which covers from Erie County to the Maryland border, is running out of phone numbers.

The PUC considered three proposals on how to divide up this massive swath of Pennsylvania.  Of the four original Pennsylvania area codes established in 1947, (814) was the last area code to remain unchanged.

Below is as link to the PA PUC website showing the county split.  The new area code number has yet to be determined.

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/telecom/pdf/areacode/814split_CountyMap2010.pdf

717 Area Code To Run Out Of Numbers in 2012

The 717 area code is running out of numbers.  Area code 717 was split in 1998.  The northern counties, formerly in 717, became 570.  Now it seems the 717 area code is back to square one.

Population growth in South Central Pennsylvania is creating a need for more phone numbers.  York County is projecting a 12.4% increase over the 2000 census.  Lancaster County will also show an increase of about 7%.  Other “717” counties are growing as well.

Two options are being considered.  1.  An overlay like 610 & 484 or 2. creating another entirely new area code.  73% of York County business owners who responded to a survey said they preferred the overlay option.  Either option costs businesses money.

The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission is holding hearings to get public opinion on how to proceed.