BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The much-celebrated 716 area code, which encompasses Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties and has become synonymous with Western New York, might have to move over, as a new area code could be coming to the region by the middle of the next decade.

The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) is the agency responsible for overseeing area codes throughout the continent and providing forecasting for when an area code is too popular.

A spokesperson says the agency forecasts that a new area code will be added to the region sometime in 2025.

The last time the region saw a new area code was in August 2002, when 585 was spun off, giving Rochester and the eastern half of 716 a new area code.

NANPA states that when the time comes, a new area code would likely be added across Western New York as an overlay, rather than splitting the area again, because of the technical difficulties of doing so with modern applications.

One of the original area codes issued back in October 1947, 716 also previously reached through the Finger Lakes into a significant portion of Central New York.

July 16 – 7/16 – has become #716Day, a rallying cry each year to celebrate all things across the region, including its sports teams, sights and sounds, and contributions to society, including Buffalo's world-famous food and its signature accompaniment.