A new telephone area code is coming to parts of eastern Lancaster County, likely in 2023.

The 717 area code is overlayed with the 223 area code and covers 16 counties in central Pennsylvania, including the Harrisburg, York and Lancaster areas. Why the 717?

With phone numbers in the 717 area code projected to be used up in the third quarter of 2012, the state Public Utility Commission is seeking public input on a proposal to create an “overlay ...

The 717 area code is expected to run out of phone numbers in fall 2012, as cell phones and computers quickly gobble them up. Possible solutions fall into two broad categories.

HARRISBURG — It's about to take a little longer for people in the 717 area code in central Pennsylvania to make phone calls.