Nassau County Could Get An Additional Area Code In 2023

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Nassau County could be getting a new area code for future phone numbers, and the state is seeking public comment on the proposal.

Currently, the 516 area code serves all of Nassau County. However, the body that assigns area codes and phone numbers — SomosGov, Inc. — has projected that all of the possible 516 phone numbers will be used up by the third quarter of 2023. To remedy the situation, Somos has proposed an area code overlay for Nassau County. That means that new phone numbers would have the new area code, but existing numbers wouldn't be affected.

The state's Public Service Commission is accepting public comments on the proposal through Dec. 13. There are multiple ways to submit a comment. You can comment on the plan by clicking here, by emailing secretary@dps.ny.gov or by calling the toll-free opinion line at 1-800-335-2120. You can also send physical mail to the Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, New York State Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350.

The Public Service Commission said that the need for new phone numbers has exploded in recent years with the growth of cell phones, tablet computers and other electronic devices. Area code overlays have been a common solution to the need for new phone numbers.

If the petition is accepted, the new area code would not be used until all of the possible 516 phone numbers are distributed. The Public Service Commission said the new area code would most likely be put into effect no later than the first quarter of 2023.

The implementation of a new area code also requires people in that area to switch to 10-digit dialing for all local phone calls. However, that is already in place for Nassau County due to the creating of the 988 hotline to reach the National Foundation for Suicide Prevention.