Larry Rulison is reporting in the Times Union a new area code has now been chosen to accommodate what is said to be an unprecedented demand for 518 numbers. About a year from now, phone companies will begin issuing telephone numbers in the 838 area code to new customers in the 17-county Capital Region. The state Public Service Commission approved the use of a second area code just last week after several months of debate over the plan. "We needed to create a new area code because of strong and robust demand for telecommunication services," PSC chair Audrey Zibelman said. Existing 518 numbers will not change. Once two area codes are in use within the region, everyone will have to dial 10 digits for local calls. Read the full story in the Times Union.