10-digit dialing to take effect July 19 for 864 users

Making a phone call in the 8-6-4 is about to get a little more complicated for some because of the 8-2-1.

An overlay, which adds the new 821 area code to new users in the area previously served only by the 864 area code, goes into effect July 19, meaning all calls in the region must be made using 10 digits.

Even local 864-to-864 calls and 821-to-821 calls will require 10 digits to be completed, according to a release from the South Carolina Public Service Commission.

“Calls placed with just seven digits — that is, without dialing the area code first — will not be completed,” the release read.

The 821 area code is being added as an overlay to the region currently served by area code 864 to ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers for the area.

The 864 area code was added in 1995 to cover the western third of the state, including Greenville, Laurens, Anderson and Spartanburg counties, while the rest of the state remained with the 803 area code. The 843 area code was added to serve the Lowcountry and surrounding areas in 1998. Since then, 839 (Midlands in 2020) and 854 (Eastern/coastal) have been added.

The 821 overlay does not require customers to change their existing area codes or telephone numbers.

Beginning on Aug. 19, 2024, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers that use the new 821 area code.

Emergency services such as 911 and 988 are not affected by the change.

Local calls within the 864 area code are still considered local even if dialing an 821 number from the local area and vice-versa.

The Public Service Commission also urges users to update automatic dialing equipment, apps, software and other equipment to include area codes for all calls.

For more information, please reach out to the Public Service Commission at 803-896-5100 or by email at [email protected].