Here's The Hudson Valley's New Area Code

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Since the Hudson Valley is running out of available telephone numbers for folks in the 845 area code region (SEE: 845 Area Code About To Run Out Of Numbers) the New York State Public Service Commission decided to add one, and they've just announced the actual number.

329 will be the new area code for Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties where 845 is now used.

Whether it's landline or wireless, customers within the existing 845 area code region get ready — because the introduction of the new 329 area code could come as early as the third quarter of 2023.

To prepare: make sure that all your services, automatic dialing equipment, applications, software, or other types of equipment recognize the new 329 area code as a valid area code. That includes life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions. Also, business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, and personal or pet ID tags should include the area code.

The new area code is projected to provide telephone numbering relief for about 28 years, PSC officials said.

The entity that oversees telephone numbers across the continent noted the problem last year and filed a petition with the New York State Public Service Commission Nov. 30 about adding a new area code in the Hudson Valley. The petition initially sought approval of the proposed new area code before the third quarter of 2024, but changed it to 2023 because requests for new numbers have accelerated.

Beginning then, customers in the existing 845 area code requesting new service, an additional line, or a move in the location of their service, may be assigned a number starting with the 329 area code.

An overlay area code is the most effective possible use of numbering resources in the 845-area code region and results in long-term relief, with the least expense, and the least amount of disruption and frustration to consumers as possible, PSC officials said in the announcement.

Existing customers in the 845-area code will not be affected by the new overlay area code.

Customers will retain their current telephone numbers, and 10-digit dialing for local calls will continue. The overlay area code will be assigned to newly issued telephone numbers in the region once all existing 845 telephone numbers are exhausted, and will apply to all telephone numbers, regardless of service type.

What is a local call now will continue to remain a local call.

Calls between 329 and 845 area codes are local calls.

Calls to reach 911 Emergency Service will remain three digits.

SEE ALSO: 10-Digit Dialing Starts Sunday In Parts Of NY