State regulators have approved the addition of a new area code in the 18-county 315 region of central New York.
The Public Service Commission voted Thursday to overlay a new area code over the existing code region so customers can keep their current telephone numbers.
An administrative law judge recommended the overlay option because it's easier and cheaper to implement than it would be to divide the region into multiple codes. It means customers will have to dial 10 digits for calls within the region, and 1 plus 10 digits outside the region.
The North American Number Plan Administrator has estimated that the 315 area code will run out of assignable phone numbers by early 2017. If the state doesn't act, the Federal Communications Commission would take over the process.
(c) 2015 AP
