A new area code is coming to the 315 region. Beginning in March, Central New Yorkers requesting new phone numbers could be assigned the area code 680. Corina Cappabianca explains what some had to say about the coming change.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- After ringing in the New Year, Central New Yorkers might start to see some new numbers coming in when they go to pick up the phone. That's because the North American Numbering Plan Administration is adding 680 area codes to the region.
"What happens, we have so many people using both landlines and cell phones, the areas that the numbers represent... they're running out of numbers. So in order to do that you need to split up the area codes anyway," said Liverpool resident John DeNicola.
The change won't impact existing numbers. But, soon you won't be able to complete a local call if you don't dial all ten digits of the number you're trying to reach.
"I'm used to not having to punch in the area code. So, it might get a little confusing, I guess," said Fayetteville resident Jamie Parker.
"Three more digits on a cell phone is a lot easier than a rotary phone. And, if it's one more number, back in the 50s to the 70s and earlier than that you had to dial four numbers and that got you through," said DeNicola.
It's an adjustment, but some say it's necessary.
"I mean you have to do it, there's already a million numbers out there. If that's the only way to do it you've got to have a new area code," said Parker.
The new 680 numbers will be given out beginning March 11th. But, you'll need to follow the new dialing procedure beginning February 11th. Oswego County E-9-1-1 Director Michael Allen says the overlay project is to make sure there is a "continuing supply of phone numbers."