Call-dialing procedures changing for Lowcountry after new area code added

South Carolina residents around the state, particularly those in the Lowcountry, will soon see a change in call-dialing procedures as a result of a second area code being assigned to the region.

South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff officials said beginning Sept. 19, telephone calls made within the 843 calling area will require a new ten-digit dialing procedure, which must include the 843 area code plus the telephone number to complete local calls. Phone calls made using only seven digits will activate a recording asking the caller to redial using the area code when making a call.

Beginning on Oct. 19, new telephone lines or services within the 843 calling area may be assigned numbers with the new 854 area code, ORS officials said. To complete local calls, callers will be required to dial ten digits using either the 843 area code or the newly assigned 854 area code.

For questions regarding the coming changes, residents may call the ORS Consumer Services Division toll-free at 1 (800)-922-1531, or you may contact your service provider.

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 11:30 AM with the headline "Call-dialing procedures changing for Lowcountry after new area code added."