Area Code Atlas

NPA 717 introduced as one of Pennsylvania's original area codes

Area code 717 was assigned in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes, covering the eastern half of Pennsylvania excluding the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, which used 215. It was the largest of Pennsylvania's original four plan areas.

Boundary adjustment between 215 and 717

In 1994, a few towns in eastern Lancaster County and western Chester County originally slated to transfer to area code 610 were instead shifted to area code 717 to consolidate non-Bell company subscribers in eastern Pennsylvania.

Three central offices moved from 215 to 717 instead of 610

As part of the 1994 reconfiguration, three central offices were moved from 215 to 717 rather than 610: Denver's 267 exchange, Adamstown's 484 exchange, and Terre Hill's 445 exchange.

Declaration of Jeopardy Situation in NPA 717 (Pennsylvania)

Extraordinary NPA-Specific Conservation Procedures for 717 NPA (Pennsylvania)

Changes to Extraordinary NPA-Specific Conservation Procedures for 215 and 717 NPAs (Pennsylvania)

NANP-Split of 717 (Pennsylvania) Numbering Plan Area (NPA)

NPA 570 split from 717

On December 5, 1998, the northern portion of the old 717 territory, centered on Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Williamsport, received area code 570.

NPA 570 split from 717

On December 5, 1998, the northern portion of the old 717 territory, centered on Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Williamsport, received area code 570.

NPA 570 split from 717

On December 5, 1998, the northern portion of the old 717 territory, centered on Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Williamsport, received area code 570.

NPA 570 split from 717

On December 5, 1998, area code 570 was created in a split from area code 717. This division provided a new area code for northeastern Pennsylvania, including cities such as Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Williamsport. This split reduced the size of the 717 area to address number exhaustion and was the first new Pennsylvania area code created outside Philadelphia and Pittsburgh since the original system. The split served the northeast quadrant of Pennsylvania, while 717 continued to serve south-central Pennsylvania.

NPA 223 approved as an overlay for 717

In October 2016, area code 223 was approved as an overlay for the 717 numbering plan area after relief studies projected exhaustion.

NPA 223 overlay on 717 announced

NPA 223 to Overlay NPA 717 (Pennsylvania)

NPA 223 overlay on 717 announced

NPA 223 to Overlay NPA 717 (Pennsylvania)

Central office code orders opened for NPA 223

Area code 223 became available for central office code orders on July 22, 2017.

Area code 223 becomes available for central office code orders

On July 22, 2017, area code 223 became available for central office code orders as an overlay for the 717 region. This marked the operational start of the overlay complex.

NPA 223 overlay planned for 717

Area code 223 was made available for central office code orders on July 22, 2017, as an overlay to area code 717 to address projected exhaustion of numbering resources.

Mandatory ten-digit dialing begins in 717/223 overlay

Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in the 717/223 overlay area on August 26, 2017, to accommodate the new overlay area code and ensure proper call routing.

NPA 223 overlay activated on 717

Area code 223 was activated as an overlay to area code 717 on September 26, 2017, requiring ten-digit dialing for all calls in the numbering plan area.