It’s Official The Capital Region Is Getting A New Area Code

Don't worry, this shouldn't effect you too much in the immediate future.

***UPDATE***

The new area code for the Capital Region will be 838 and should start being generated in the 3rd quarter of 2017. According to News10 the new area code will be:

Located in all or part of the following 17 counties: Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Dutchess, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saint Lawrence, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington.

Last time we were talking about the potential new area code for the Capital Region the discussion was focused on whether or not the new area code would be implemented as an "overlay" or a "geographical split".

With the "geographical split" the capital region would have been split up with the Albany and Troy counties retaining the 518 area code and Schenectady and Sartoga receiving a brand new one.

However, we no longer have to worry about potentially switching up your existing phone number because it has been decided that the "overlay" option will be implemented. Which means all existing phone numbers will remain the same and any new numbers issued will have the new area code.

All in all I think they chose the best scenario here, it's never fun to have to change all your contacts around. All that is left now is to find out what the new (2nd) area code for the Capital Region be?!?! We'll keep ya posted.

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