Area Codes in Western Pennsylvania

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Current Area Codes

There are currently two area codes in Western Pennsylvania: 412 and 724.  On February 1, 1998, the 412 area code was split and the 724 area code was created.

1. 412/878 Area Code Map
   Outlines the rate centers in the 412/878 region.
2. 724/878 Area Code Map
   Outlines the counties and rate centers in the 724/878 region.

878 Overlay

On July 12, 2001, the 878 area code began as an overlay for both the 412 and 724 area codes.

The area code 878 can be given to customers in the 412/724 region when any customer orders new service, adds an additional line, or moves. Current customers will keep the same area code. Telephone companies will begin assigning the 878 area code to customers when the 412 or 724 numbers are near exhaustion. To date, Pennsylvania has not needed to implement any of these numbers.

Customers in the 412/724/878 region have to use 10-digit dialing now, whether making a local or long distance telephone call. 

The local calling areas are not changing. If a telephone call is currently a local call, it will remain a local call with the 10-digit dialing. If a call is currently a toll call, it will remain a toll call after the overlay is instituted.

Thousands-Block Pooling

The 412/724 area codes began thousands-block pooling in October 2001.

With pooling, the present area codes will be used more efficiently while ultimately delaying the need to add new area codes in the future. The projected exhaust date for the 412/878/724 area codes is the second quarter of 2028.

For more information on pooling, please see Area Code Conservation.