Albany

The 518 era is dialing down as the new 838 code for the Capital Region is phased in this month.

Starting March 18 and ending Aug. 19, customers can either dial seven or 10 digits (the area code plus 7-digit local telephone number) on calls within the 518 area code.

After the transition period ends in August, residential, business and wireless customers in the 518 area code will need to dial 10 digits. The 838 code was approved by the state Public Service Commission "because of strong and robust demand for telecommunication services," PSC chair Audrey Zibelman told the Times Union after the initial announcement in September.

The new 838 area code will be overlaid over the same geographic area as the 17-county 518 area code, which encompasses Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Dutchess, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saint Lawrence, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington counties.

Those requesting new phone lines or changing their service location after Sept. 19 may be assigned an 838 number, the PSC said in a press release Monday.The price of a call and other telephone services will not change, the PSC said.