Area Code Overlay is Approved for the California 408 Area Code

Due to an increase in demand for telephone numbers, the addition of a new area code, 669, is necessary for the same geographical area as the 408 area code bringing mandatory 1+10 (1 + Area Code + 7 digit phone number) digit dialing for local calls to the 408 area. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved an all-services overlay as the relief method for the 408 NPA.

What will remain the same?

• Customer’s existing telephone number, including area code, will remain the same.
• The price of a call and coverage area will not change. Local calls will remain local regardless of number of digits dialed.
• Customers will continue to dial 3 digits to reach services such as 911, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, and 811.

When will the change take place?

• Permissive dialing: Effective April 21, 2012, customers will be able to complete local calls using either 1+10 or 7-digit dialing. If you forget and use the old dialing procedure of dialing just 7 digits, your call will still be completed.
• Mandatory dialing: Beginning October 20, 2012, you must use the new 1+10-digit dialing procedure for all local calls. Calls will not complete unless dialed as 1 + area code plus 7-digit telephone number. If you do not use the new dialing procedure, your call will not be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again. 1 + 10-digit dialing still applies for toll calls.
• Beginning November 20, 2012, new telephone numbers may be assigned with the new 669  area code as 408 numbers exhaust in individual wire centers.

What customers need to know:

• In addition to changing the dialing procedure, all service, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment programmed with a 7-digit number will need to be reprogrammed using the 1 + 10-digit dialing pattern. Some examples are:

• Call Forwarding Settings
• Life Safety Systems
• Fax Machines
• Internet Dial-Up Numbers
• Alarm and Security Systems
• Speed Dialers
• Internet Numbers

• Customers with PBX equipment will need to work with their equipment vendor to ensure their equipment can support the 1+10 digit dialing format for local calls.

A Bill insert is being included in the March 2012 bills of all landline customers within the 408 area code to provide information on the 669 area code overlay.

Call to Action:

Be aware of the area code overlay and answer customer inquiries.

Resource Information:

If you have any questions about California’s new 669 overlay of the 408 area code, visit web site at http://att.com/areacode.