Pennsylvania 445 Overlay for Area Codes 215 and 267 FAQs

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code(s). In the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania, the 445 area code is being added to the area served by the 215 and 267 area codes to ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers.

You won't have to change your existing area code or phone number. You'll simply continue to dial or enter the area code and phone number for all calls.

Anyone who has a phone number with a 215 or 267 area code in the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania should be aware that the new 445 area code will serve the same geographic area as the current 215 and 267 area codes. See the map below of the 215 / 267 / 445 overlay area.

Beginning March 3, 2018, new phone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 445 area code. If you have a 445 area code, you must enter the area code and phone number on all calls or the call won't be completed. For customers with a 215 or 267 area code, you'll simply continue to enter the area code and phone number on all calls.

No, you'll simply continue entering the area code for all calls. The price of a call, your plan and coverage area, and other rates and services will not change because of the additional overlay. All local calls will remain local.

In addition to continuing to enter the area code and phone number for all calls, you should also complete the following items:

• Continue to identify your phone number as a 10-digit number (area code and 7-digit phone number), and continue to include the area code when giving your number to friends, family, business associates and customers.
• Ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 445 area code as a valid area code. Some examples include:
  
  • Life safety systems and medical monitoring devices
  • Fire or burglar alarm and security systems
  • Security gates
  • Speed dialers
  • Call forwarding settings
  • PBXs and fax machines
  • Internet dial-up numbers
  • Voicemail services and similar functions
• Double check your websites, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, personal or pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.

You'll continue to enter the area code and phone number for all calls. The following items will remain the same and won't change:

• Your phone number, including current area code
• The price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services
• Calls that are now considered local will remain local calls
• 911 calls aren't affected, only 3 digits are required
• If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community, you'll still be able to call them by entering just 3 digits

If you have any questions about the Pennsylvania 445 area code overlay, click the Chat with us button at the bottom right corner of this page to contact one of our representatives. Visit the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission website to learn more.