New York City: Introducing '929'

The really fun-sounding North American Numbering Plan Administration has announced that because of an influx in kids whose parents bought them cell phones, New York City has run out of phone numbers assigned to the 212, 718, 917, 646 and 347 area codes. Introducing: 929!

Beginning April 16, more than 7 million 929 numbers will be assigned to landlines and cellphones in the outer boroughs.

I recall in 2000 when 646 was introduced, and we New Ywakers turned up our noses in indignation... For years, you'd make a call and be asked, "646. What state is that?" Sniff! Of course, a decade later, it is ubiquitous as the code assigned to a vast number of cell phones... so the world kept turning.

But 929... at least if I receive a call from the area code, I'll know it's likely some brat calling. Send to voicemail!