The 834 area code is a future area code designated for the central and western regions of South Carolina. It will be introduced as an “overlay” to the existing 803 area code to provide a fresh supply of phone numbers for the growing population.
This article explains everything you need to know about the upcoming 834 area code, including its location, the major cities it will serve, when it will be implemented, and how the overlay system works.
Where and When Will the 834 Area Code Be Implemented?
The 834 area code will serve the exact same geographic region as the current 803 area code, which covers the central and western parts of South Carolina. This includes the state capital and its surrounding metropolitan area.
While an exact date for implementation has not been finalized, it is planned for the near future as the availability of 803 numbers diminishes. The introduction of area code 834 is a necessary step to ensure residents and businesses in the region continue to have access to new phone numbers.
What Cities Will Use the 834 Area Code?
Once activated, the 834 area code will serve all the same communities as the 803 area code. This means new phone numbers could have either prefix. The major cities and towns in this region include:
- Columbia (the state capital)
- Rock Hill
- Sumter
- Aiken
- Lancaster
- Parts of Augusta, Georgia, that fall within the 803 numbering plan area.
What Does an “Area Code Overlay” Mean?
An area code overlay is a modern solution to address the shortage of phone numbers. Here’s what it means for residents in the 803/834 region:
- Your Existing Number Will Not Change: If you already have a phone number with an 803 area code, you get to keep it.
- New Numbers May Be 834: New phone lines or mobile accounts opened after the launch may be assigned the 834 area code.
- 10-Digit Dialing Becomes Mandatory: The most significant change is that everyone in the region will need to dial the full 10-digit phone number (area code + seven-digit number) for all local calls. This is because two different area codes will now exist in the same location.
Is the 834 Area Code a Scam?
No, the 834 area code is not a scam. It is a legitimate new area code approved by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) to serve a real geographic area in South Carolina.
Because it is not yet in widespread use, it is highly unlikely to be a source of scam calls at this time. However, once it becomes active, you should treat it like any other area code and remain cautious of unsolicited calls from unknown numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a new area code needed for this part of South Carolina?
A new area code is needed simply because the region is running out of available phone number combinations under the existing 803 area code due to population growth and the demand for new phone lines.
Will my 803 phone number change to 834?
No, your current phone number will not change. The overlay plan is specifically designed to allow all existing numbers to remain the same.
What time zone is the 834 area code in?
The 834 area code will be in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), observing Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during daylight saving months, just like the 803 area code.
Is 834 a toll-free number?
No, 834 is a standard geographic area code. Toll-free numbers in the U.S. use prefixes like 800, 888, 877, 866, and others.
Conclusion
In short, the 834 area code is the future overlay for the 803 area code in central and western South Carolina. While it isn’t active yet, its introduction will ensure a continued supply of phone numbers for the region. The main change for residents will be the eventual transition to mandatory 10-digit dialing for all local calls.
