New Midlands area code means the way you make calls has to change — starting tomorrow
Starting this Saturday, April 25, anyone dialing a phone number with an 803 area code must dial those three extra digits to put the call through.
This 10-digit dialing requirement is going into effect because, starting next month, a second area code will be added to the current 803 region.
While the dialing change might take some adjustment for locals who are used to just punching in a simple seven-digit number within the same area code as their own, the change itself is fairly simple. For instance, instead of dialing 896-5100 to reach South Carolina’s Public Service Commission, you’ll now dial 803-896-5100.
If you have seven-digit phone numbers stored in your contact lists or automatic-dial systems, you will need to update those contacts to include the area code.
Beginning in May, a new 839 area code will be added to the region currently covered by 803. This region includes York, Lancaster, Chester, Lexington, Richland, Fairfield and Kershaw counties.
The new area code will only affect brand new phone numbers. Phone numbers that currently have an 803 area code will not change.
The 839 area code will be the fifth in the state, joining 864 in the Upstate, 803 in the Midlands and 843 and 854 along the coast.
