10-digit dialing to begin soon in 803 area code

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S.C. residents living in areas with 803 area codes will soon have to dial 10 digits when making a local call.

In April, the 803 area code covering Chester, Richland, Sumter, Aiken and Allendale counties will have a new 839 area code overlay added, according to a news release from the S.C. Public Service Commission. When the 839 area code is activated, people who are making local calls within the 803 area code will have to dial the area code plus the seven-digit number.

The Public Service Commission said current numbers within the 803 area code will not change. The cost of a call or other rates and services will also not change with the addition of the new area code.

Automatic dialing equipment that is programmed to dial a seven-digit number will have to be reprogrammed to match the new 10-digit dialing procedure. That includes life safety systems, stored telephone numbers in contact lists, PBXs, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems or gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings and voicemail services.

The commission also recommends updating stationery or business cards to include the 803 area code.

Beginning April 25, customers who do not dial 10 digits when making a call within the 803 area code will not be connected. Starting May 26, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 839 area code.

People needing emergency services will still dial 911.