COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Public Service Commission (SCPSC) wants to remind you that a new 821 area code overlay in the South Carolina Upstate, now covered by the 864 area code, will go into effect on July 19. At that time, all regional calls must use 10-digit phone numbers. Calls using only seven digits (numbers dialed without the area code) will not be completed.
The area in question covers Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and the surrounding areas. The overlay does not affect existing phone numbers in the 864 area code, those phone numbers will not change, only the way you place a call will be altered. The 821 overlay area code was added to ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers for the growing area.
Beginning Aug. 19, new telephone lines or services may be assigned telephone numbers with an 821 area code.
To make sure your home or office equipment will still be able to make outgoing phone calls, SCPSC recommends you should:
- Start now by identifying your telephone number as a 10-digit number (area code + your 7-digit number) when giving your number to family, friends, and business associates.
- Ensure automatic-dialing services, equipment, applications, software, and other hardware and software recognize the new 821 area code as valid.
- Update business stationery, cards, advertising materials, websites, personal checks, pet ID tags, and personal phone lists to reflect the new 10-digit calling protocol.
- Emergency contacts for security and alarm systems and medical alert devices may need to be re-programmed before July 19
The new 10-digit phone numbers will NOT affect 911 or 988 services—or 211, 811, 311 and 511 services, where available.