New area code may hit northeastern Pa. next year

 

Since 1998, the 570 area code has been the rule in northeastern Pennsylvania. 

And that rule will last until at least late next year, when the state Public Utilities Commission says it may need to phase in a new area code: 272.

When it does happen, only newly assigned phone numbers will be given the new 272 code.

Denise McCracken, spokeswoman for the PUC, says the technical word for this is an overlay, and it can be an adjustment for people.”To be honest, a lot of people, they just get used to dialing, you know, seven numbers,” she said. “Whereas when you have an overlay, you might have to dial ten digits to call your neighbor, who’s right next to you.  It’s just–it’s more of a lifestyle change.”

The new code will apply to the northeastern corner of the commonwealth, to Schuylkill County in the south and Clinton County in the west.