Phone numbers assigned to northwestern Pennsylvania could be using the new area code 582 as soon as next spring.

The Pennsylvania Utilities Commission said once the supply of new phone numbers using the 814 area code runs out, Pennsylvanians will be assigned 582 numbers.

The new area code will launch in May 2021 after the 814 area code switches to 10-digit dialing this fall.

  • October 3, 2020  – Residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily start 10-digit dialing for calls in the 814 area code.
  • April 3, 2021 – 10-digit dialing will be required for all calls.
  • May 1, 2021 – The new overlay area code will be placed into service. (New area code numbers will not be assigned until available 814 numbers are exhausted)

The 814 area code was established in 1947 and is one of Pennsylvania’s four original area codes. It is the largest area code in the state and the last to undergo changes because existing phone numbers have been exhausted.

It includes cities such as Altoona, Erie, Johnstown and State College, and covers all or parts of 27 counties, including Armstrong (northeastern portion only); Bedford; Blair; Cambria; Cameron; Centre (majority of the county); Clarion (all except portions of west); Clearfield; Clinton (small portions); Crawford (all except southwestern portion); Elk; Erie; Fayette (small portions); Forest; Fulton (western portions); Huntingdon (except Kishacoquillas Valley); Indiana (northern and eastern portions only); Jefferson; McKean; Mercer (extreme northeastern portion); Mifflin (extreme southwestern corner); Potter; Somerset; Tioga (western portions only); Venango (all except southeastern corner); Warren; and Westmoreland (extreme northeastern corner only).