That could soon change.
The North American Numbering Plan Administration, known as NANPA, says the 717 area code is running out of numbers.
Nils Hagen-Frederiksen with the Pennsylvania Utility Commission said, "They're predicting that the 717 area code will be exhausted some time in the middle of 2018."
Hagen-Frederiksen says - this all means central Pennsylvania will get an new area code in the next few years.
The PUC isn't sure exactly how that will work yet.
Right now, there are two options on the table.
One is overlay area code that's the option recommended by NANPA.
"Essentially leaving 717, the entire region untouched, but when the numbers run out - beginning to assign numbers to a new area code that would cover that entire region."
The other option is the split approach.
That would split the 717 area codes, which would mean half would keep the old area cold and half would get the new one.
Both options would require people in central PA to now dial 10 digits when calling someone.
"For most people, especially if you move to younger people, they don't even remember phone numbers. they're just working on contacts out of a device, it's not really going to change them."
It would change if the contacts you have in your cellphone do not have an area code with the number.
That would have to be added to each contact.
However, Hagen-Frederiksen says it's not uncommon to for area codes to run out of numbers, especially because of the number of cellphones.
"For most areas, it's a matter of time. we're seeing a lot of area codes across Pennsylvania over the past few decades."
The 717 area code hasn't been touched since 1999.
Before that, 717 pretty much covered the entire eastern part of the state.
Even now, the area code covers one of the largest areas of PA.
"It's 16 counties that are the greater Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, Lebanon area. that's a lot of territory. that area code has remained essentially unchanged for a few decades now."
So what does this mean if you own a business in central PA or if you're advertising usually includes a 7 digit phone number - not a 10?
The PUC says slow down, the change will not happen overnight.
"I don't know that you need to run out and make any changes just yet. again, what we're talking about is in the middle of 2018 or sometime after that."
even so, the Pennsylvania Utility Commission is trying to figure out which option is best now.
There will be two public meetings on August 9th in Harrisburg - one at 1pm at 6pm.
The PUC wants to hear from Pennsylvanian's, especially if anyone has a different suggestion.