PA 570/272 Area Code Overlay FAQs

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code. An overlay doesn’t require you to change your existing area code or telephone number. However, it does require you to dial the area code and the seven-digit number for all calls.

In Pennsylvania, the 272 area code is being added to the area served by the 570 area code. See map below of the 570 / 272 overlay area.

Anyone who has a telephone number with a 570 area code is affected, as well as anyone that receives a telephone number with the 272 area code in the future. The 570 area code generally covers the northeastern portion of the state, serving communities such as Pottsville, Sayre, Scranton, Williamsport and Wilkes-Barre. The 272 area code will cover the same geographic area as the 570 area code.

You’ll need to dial the area code for all calls, including calls within the same area code, if you have a 570 or 272 telephone number. This is because the new 272 area code is being added to the geographic area served by the 570 area code and more than one area code will serve the same geographic area.

To complete local calls from a phone with a 570 or 272 area code, dial the area code + telephone number.

Beginning immediately, if you have a 570 area code, you should begin dialing the area code for all calls. There will be a grace period, so if you forget and dial just seven digits during the grace period, your call will still be completed.

Beginning September 21, 2013, if you have a 570 area code, you must dial the area code for all calls. If you don’t use the new dialing procedure, your call won’t be completed. You’ll hear a recording that will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

Beginning October 21, 2013, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 272 area code. If you have a 272 area code, you must dial the area code + telephone number on all calls or the call will not be completed.

To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the 272 area code is being added to the area served by the 570 area code. Because more than one area code will now serve the same geographic region, the area code + telephone number must be used when dialing any telephone number, including calls within the same area code.

No, you’ll only need to dial the area code for all calls. Your current area code and seven-digit telephone number won’t change. The price of a call, your plan and coverage area, and other rates and services won’t change because of the overlay. All local calls will remain local, regardless of the number of digits dialed.

In addition to dialing the area code + telephone number for all calls, you should also:

• Update any preprogrammed seven-digit telephone numbers in your mobile device to include the area code, as well as any text or email alert services.
  
  
• Reprogram all services, automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment that are programmed with a seven-digit telephone number to include the area code. Some examples include life safety systems, fire or burglar alarm and security systems, security gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, voice mail services and similar functions.
  
  
• Check your websites, business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information and your ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

The following items will not change:

• Your telephone number, including current area code
  
  
• The price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services
  
  
• How calls are billed (calls that are considered local now will remain a local call, regardless of the number of digits dialed)
  
  
• How you call 911 (just three digits are needed)
  
  
• The availability of other three-digit services (if 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community, you’ll still call them by dialing just three digits)

If you have any questions about the 570 / 272 area code overlay, please contact us at (800) 922-0204.