The 717 area code is a key identifier for a large region of South Central Pennsylvania and is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
The 717 area code covers the south-central portion of the state of Pennsylvania, including the metropolitan areas of Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York. Due to the exhaustion of phone numbers in the region, the 717 area code is overlaid with the 223 area code, meaning both area codes serve the exact same geographic region.
This article details the location, major cities, time zone, and the mandatory 10-digit dialing rule required for all calls within the 717/223 region.
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Location and Geographic Coverage of 717
The 717 area code is located in the southern part of Pennsylvania, bordering the state of Maryland.
Primary Location
- State: Pennsylvania (PA), United States.
- Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET). This includes Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during daylight saving periods.
Major Cities Covered
The 717 area code encompasses a significant historical and economic region of Pennsylvania, often referred to as the Susquehanna Valley and Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Key cities and areas include:
- Harrisburg: The state capital (Dauphin County).
- Lancaster: Known for its rich history and the surrounding Amish Country.
- York: A major industrial and historical center.
- Carlisle: Located in Cumberland County, home to Carlisle Barracks and the U.S. Army War College.
- Gettysburg: Famous for the Civil War battlefield (Adams County).
- Hershey: Home of the Hershey Company and Hershey Park (Dauphin County).
The area code also covers large parts of Cumberland, Franklin, Lebanon, and Adams counties.
- The 223 Area Code Overlay and 10-Digit Dialing
The 717 area code was one of Pennsylvania’s original four area codes, introduced in 1947. Due to population growth and the proliferation of mobile devices, phone numbers began to exhaust, leading to the implementation of an overlay area code.
The 223 Overlay
The 223 area code was implemented as an overlay for the entire geographic region served by 717.
- An overlay means the new area code (223) covers the exact same territory as the existing code (717).
- New phone lines or services in this region may be assigned either a 717 or a 223 number.
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
The introduction of the 223 overlay required a critical change for all residents and businesses in the 717/223 region:
- You must dial 10 digits for all local calls. This includes dialing the area code (either 717 or 223) plus the 7-digit local number, even when calling a neighbor with the same 717 area code.
- Calls dialed with only 7 digits will not be completed.
Actionable Steps Required
If you live or operate a business in the 717 area code, you must ensure you have updated the following equipment and services:
- Contacts List: Program all local phone numbers in your mobile and landline contacts with the full 10 digits (e.g., 717-XXX-XXXX).
- Automated Systems: Update fire or burglar alarms, security systems, medical alert systems, gates, fax machines, and speed dialers to use 10-digit dialing.
- Business Stationery: Ensure your business cards, websites, and advertising materials include the full 717 (or 223) area code.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 717 a scam-prone area code?
No, 717 is not inherently a scam-prone area code. However, scammers often use technology like caller ID spoofing to make their calls appear local by mimicking legitimate area codes, including 717. If you receive a call from an unfamiliar 717 number, it is best to let it go to voicemail and only call back if you recognize the caller.
How do I call a 717 number from outside the United States?
Since 717 is a US area code, you must use the US country code, which is +1. The full international dialing format is: [International Exit Code] + 1 + 717 + [7-Digit Local Number].
Is the 717 area code still available for new phones?
Yes, new phone numbers are still assigned to the 717/223 region. However, due to the overlay, a new phone or line activation in South Central Pennsylvania is just as likely to receive a 223 area code number as a 717 number.
