New Area Code to be Introduced in Upstate South Carolina
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Following the announcement of the South Carolina Public Surface Commission (PSC) in November 2023, Upstate South Carolina is set to receive a new 821 area code beginning August 19, 2024. The new code will supplement but not replace the existing 864 area code, marking the end of a six-month grace period initiated in January 2024.
All Local Calls to Include Area Code
Starting from Wednesday, July 19, all local calls within the 864 area code will be made using ten digits, i.e., the area code followed by the seven-digit number. This sounds a reminder to residents that even local calls will have to include the area code after this grace period. After August 19, any new telephone lines for services may be assigned numbers using the new 821 area code.
Instructions and Information for Consumers
The PSC has provided the following facts and instructions for consumers:
Your current telephone number, including the current area code, will not change. You may be assigned a phone number with the 821 area code if you seek new phone service on and after August 19, 2024. All local calls, including calls within the same area code, will require dialing the area code and the telephone number. Long-distance calls will continue to be dialed using 1 plus the area code and the telephone number. Your local call now will remain a local call regardless of the introduction of the new code. The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the introduction of the overlay. Dialing three digits will still reach 911, 988, 211, 311, 511, and 811 where available.
Reprogramming Services and Equipment
All services, applications, software, tools, and equipment previously programmed with just seven digits should be reprogrammed to recognize 821 as a valid area code. More importantly, they should be reprogrammed to dial ten digits instead of seven. This applies to business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, and person or pet ID tags. Also, important safety devices such as medical alert devices and alarm/security systems must be set up to use ten-digit dialing.
Contact and Assistance for Reprogramming
Consumers who are unsure about reprogramming their equipment, particularly medical alerts, and security systems are urged to contact their providers immediately. Providers can assist with the necessary changes between January 19, 2024, and July 19, 2024. For any other inquiries or issues, locals can reach out to the South Carolina Public Surface Commission (SC PSC) at 803.896 for assistance.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: New area code for the Upstate?
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
