The 835 area code is coming to the region sooner than expected, writes Kaamil Jones for NBC10.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced that the new area code will go into effect several months ahead of schedule, on September 2, 2022.

The number will be added in Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties, as was previously voted on by the commission in December.

It was originally planned for the new number to go into effect in early 2023. But the date has been moved to September, owing to a rapid decrease in 610 and 484 numbers.

Residents who have numbers with 610 and 484 area codes will see no change come September 2. However, those looking for a new phone line may get a number requiring an 835 dial.

To prepare for the new area code in the 610/484 region, the PUC advises that residents:

• Check devices to verify that area codes are included with stored numbers
• Save future numbers to all devices using 10-digit telephone numbers
• Ensure that all services and equipment recognize the code as a valid phone number

Read more about the 835 area code at NBC10.