Western New York (WBEN) - The 716 is getting another area code. The New York State Public Service Commission has approved an additional area code for Western New York which is expected to be fully implemented by 2024.
Why does Western New York need an additional area code? This is in response to the North American Numbering Plan Administrator’s (NANPA) forecast of a shortage of telephone numbers in the 716-area code. The new area code is expected to be activated before the second quarter of 2024, which is the projected timeframe all the phone numbers will be used up. Specifically, the area code will be implemented six months prior to the second quarter of 2024.
"I was excited to see that we had a need for a new area code in the region. Though we classify this as area code relief, what this really represents is a growing region, right? A sign of more people, more businesses, more activity, which is something we as all New Yorkers should celebrate and be quite proud of, as our state continues to grow," said Rory Christian, Commissioner Chair of NYS Public Service Commission.
This will not mean you are going to lose your current 716 phone number, this new area code will be an addition to the current one, which have been authorized for all or portions of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties, including the larger cities of Buffalo, Jamestown, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda and Niagara Falls.
The exact three-digit area code number will be announced at a later date according to the commission, who passed the vote Thursday to implement an overlay strategy.
"All services overlay, a new area code would be superimposed over the same geographic areas covered by the existing 716 footprint, resulting in two area codes serving the region. Under this assumption, all existing customers with either landline or mobile service would retain their current 10 digit telephone number and 10 digit dialing for all calls, whether local or long distance would continue to be required. Once 716 numbers are fully exhausted, requests for new telephone numbers in the region would be assigned to the new area code. The implementation timeline for this option is nine months. It is relatively simple to implement because 10 digit dialing as I mentioned, is currently in place," said Ruvain Kudan, an engineer for the NYSPSC.
An overlay is the appropriate means of providing numbering relief for the 716 Number Planning Area (NPA), given the prior successful overlays that have been implemented in New York over the past two decades. The new overlay has a projected life of approximately 29 years.
See the player below to hear the discussion and passed vote from the NYSPSC: