Move over 212, 646 and 917 -- Manhattan to get new area code in 2017

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Move over 212, 646 and 917, because Manhattan will be adding a new area code in 2017.

Joining the three mainstays will be 332, expected to be assigned to new customers in the second quarter of that year.

The New York State Public Service Commission on Tuesday announced the new area code, which is needed to meet the increasing demand for residential and business phone numbers in Manhattan.

"The need for a new area code points to a thriving telecommunications market and growing population overall in New York City," Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman said. "Creating a new area code will allow telephone companies to accommodate consumer demand and expand the use of wireless technologies."

The North American Numbering Plan Administrator, which administers the numbering system for telephone networks in the United States, projected Manhattan would run out of available central office codes in late 2017.

In response, the commission directed all telephone companies in the 212/646/917 area code region to file an implementation plan for the 332 overlay within a nine-month network preparation schedule. With an overlay, all customers are required to dial 10 digits (the area code plus the 7-digit number) on calls in their area code, and 1 plus 10 digits for calls to numbers outside their area code.

Telephone companies serving Manhattan are also required to develop outreach and education plans to inform their customers of the implementation of the new area code. Customers will be made aware of the effective date of the new area code after companies provide an implementation plan. Once the new area code is in effect, New York will have 18 area codes.

The implementation time frame directed by the commission allows for the new area code to be effective six months prior to the forecasted exhaust date. This will allow all providers to make necessary network modifications and complete administrative actions without undue difficulty.