408 Area Code Overlay

To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the 669 area code will be added to the area served by 408.  The new 669 area code will serve customers in the same geographic region as the current 408 area code.  This is known as an area code overlay.

What is an area code overlay?

An overlay is the addition of another area code (in this case 669) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (408).  An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code.

How does this affect providers of Public Safety Answer Points (PSAPs)?

As a result of the overlay, a new dialing procedure requires callers to dial 1 + area code + telephone number. This means that all calls in the 408 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using 1 + area code + telephone number. 

All PSAP equipment, such as speed dialers, located in the 408 area code and programmed to dial only seven digits must be updated or reprogrammed to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all calls in the 408/669 area code.

When will the change take place?

·      Beginning April 21, 2012, customers should begin using the new dialing procedure (1 + area code + telephone number) when placing calls from the 408 area code.  If customers forget and use the old dialing procedure of dialing just seven digits, calls will still be completed.

·      Beginning October 20, 2012, customers must use the new dialing procedure for all calls.  After this date, if customers do not use the new dialing procedure, calls will not be completed, and a recording will instruct them to hang up and dial again.

·      Reprogramming of PSAP equipment/systems should take place between April 21, 2012 and October 20, 2012. This period allows either the old or new dialing procedure to be used to complete calls.  All PSAPs must make their programming changes during this period.

·      To enable you to verify that equipment can complete calls to the new area code, a special test number will become available on August 20, 2012.  This special number, (669) 669-1669will remain active through January 20, 2013.

·      Beginning November 20, 2012, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 669 area code, and it will be necessary to dial 1 + area code + telephone number for all calls within the 408 and 669 area codes.

What will remain the same?

The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay, and what is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed. Customers can still dial just three digits to reach 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811.

If you have any questions about the overlay, you may contact your local service provider or the CPUC at (800) 848-5580. Information about the overlay is also available at www.cpuc.ca.gov/408areacode.