Starting Saturday, those living in the 518 area code will have to dial 10 digits to make a local phone call. It's part of a change approved by the Public Service Commission to accommodate the increasing need for telephone numbers with the new 838 area code on the way.
The Commission's Jon Sorensen says that even though it will catch some people off guard, it's a fairly common practice.
"We'll be joining a lot of the rest of the country that has been doing this for a number of years, where cities and areas have multiple area codes within them. To reach your neighbor, reach someone right across the hall in an apartment building you're going to have to dial ten digits."
You'll have to dial 10 digits regardless of the type of phone you're using, landline or cell, and regardless of the carrier you have.
The 838 area code takes effect locally on September 19th.
Photo: Getty Images