Larry Rulison is reporting in the Times Union beginning Sat., Aug. 19, residents of the 518 area code will be required to use 10-digit dialing, meaning the 518 prefix will have to be dialed with every call. For cell phone users that means adding 518 to local numbers already stored as contacts. And, Rulison writes, there is no easy way to get cell phones ready for the change. Cell phone companies tell the Times Union customers must change each local number manually. As a result, updating an entire contact list could take some time, depending on how many local numbers are stored. The addition of the new 838 area code is needed because nearly all of the possible 518 numbers that can be generated have been given out. It is not known exactly when the first 838 numbers will be issued. Read the full story in the Times Union.