New 821 Area Code Introduced for Upstate South Carolina: What You Need to Know

Starting July 19, 2024, the Upstate region of South Carolina will see a significant change in its telecommunications landscape with the introduction of a new 821 area code. This new code will supplement the existing 864 area code without replacing it, marking an overlay to the same geographic region.

An overlay involves adding another area code—in this case, 821—to the region currently served by the 864 area code. Customers will not have to change their existing phone numbers, but they will be required to use the area code when dialing local numbers. This means that all local calls within the 864 area code must be placed using 10 digits (area code + the 7-digit telephone number). Calls made using only 7 digits will no longer be completed after this date.

Key changes and reminders for residents and businesses include:

• Telephone Number Retention: Existing telephone numbers, including their area codes, will remain unchanged.
• New Assignments: Starting August 19, 2024, new telephone lines or services may receive numbers with the 821 area code.
• Dialing Protocol: All local calls will require dialing the area code + telephone number. For long-distance calls, continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number.
• Local Call Status: The classification of local calls will not change; what is considered a local call now will remain so.
• Costs and Services: The price of calls, coverage areas, and other rates and services will not be affected by the overlay.
• Emergency Services: Dialing 911 and 988 will still require only three digits. Other three-digit services like 211, 311, 511, and 811 will also remain accessible where available.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, applications, and software are updated to accommodate the new 10-digit dialing requirement. This includes reprogramming equipment such as life-safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, gates, ankle monitors, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions. Additionally, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, checks, and ID tags should include the area code.

Important safety and security equipment, such as medical alert devices and alarm systems, must also be updated to use 10-digit dialing. While many systems default to 10-digit dialing, older equipment may still use 7 digits. Users should contact their medical alert or security providers to verify if reprogramming is necessary. Any required changes must be completed by July 19, 2024.

As this transition approaches, residents are reminded to program all local calls using 10 digits and add ‘1’ for long-distance calls to ensure seamless connectivity.