PSC approves new area code for Nassau

The New York State Public Service Commission announced Thursday that an additional area code has been authorized for Nassau County.  

The new three-digit area code, which the PSC says will be unveiled “in the near future,” is expected to be activated before the second quarter of 2023. 

The North American Numbering Plan Administrator had petitioned the PSC to establish an all-services area code overlay to provide numbering relief for the current 516 area code, which is expected to be exhausted, or run out of available numbers, no later than the second quarter of 2023. The all-services overlay has a projected life of approximately 49 years, according to a PSC statement. 

“As a result of a robust economy and strong demand for telecommunication services on Long Island, we need to establish a new area code,” PSC Chair Rory Christian. “With the addition of the new area code, Nassau County will be well-positioned to accommodate future economic growth and to satisfy growing consumer demand. Further, our decision will ensure local telephone service remains available.” 

Although mandatory 10-digit dialing will be required, the new area code will not affect the number of digits that customers in the 516-area code must dial, because 516 customers are already transitioning to mandatory 10-digit dialing due to the implementation of the 988 abbreviated dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is currently underway and scheduled to be completed by July 16, 2022.