Press Release

PUC Announces Implementation of 878 Area Code Continues

Published on 2/15/2013

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced today that the implementation of 878 as the new area code for the 412 and 724 Numbering Plan Areas (NPAs) is continuing to the activation phase because the existing area codes are nearly exhausted.

The Commission has learned that the 724 NPA is nearing exhaust and that the need to activate the 878 area code is imminent.  Because of this, telephone numbers will be assigned using the 878 area code in only the geographic region of the 724 Numbering Plan Area.  However, mandatory 10-digit dialing within and between the 412 and 724 NPAs has been occurring since July 12, 2001, and residents will need to 10-digit dial all telephone numbers within the 878, 412 and 724 NPAs to reach the person or business they are dialing.

New area codes are needed when existing area codes exhaust their supply of “NXX” codes (which is the second set of three digits in a 10-digit telephone number, NPA-NXX-XXXX).  On Jan. 19, 2000, the Pennsylvania telecommunications industry reached a consensus to implement a relief plan consisting of an all services multiple overlay of the existing 412 and 724 NPAs.  Following the implementation of the 878 NPA, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) has been assigning the remaining NXX codes in the 412 and 724 NPAs on a first-come, first served basis before assigning NXX codes in the 878 NPA.  Until the 412 NPA exhausts the remaining NXX codes, 878 will only be assigned in the 724 NPA once exhausted. Activation of 878 will begin in the 412 NPA when it officially exhausts all of its NXX codes.

According to the telecommunications industry’s guidelines, the most common methods of area code relief are the use of two-way or three-way geographic area code splits or adding another area code to the same geographic area as an overlay.  An area code overlay occurs when more than one area code serves the same geographic area as the old area code requiring relief.  With an overlay, all current customers keep their same area code and telephone number.  Numbers from the new area code may be assigned to new telephone customers or those adding additional lines.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, video and audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov