New York getting new area code: 838

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- New York regulators say the new telephone area code that will be added to eastern New York's 518 region will be 838.

The Public Service Commission last week approved the "overlay" in the 17-county region to meet demand for new phone numbers. That means existing numbers will keep the 518 area code and new ones will begin with 838.

Because there will be two area codes within the region, everybody will have to dial 10 digits for local calls. To call outside the region, they'll have to dial 11 digits -- 1 plus the area code and 7-digit number.

The change will be phased in over a period of months.