To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the 442 area code will be added to the area currently served by 760.  Get ready to change the way you dial your calls!

What is an overlay?
An overlay is the addition of another area code (442) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (760).  An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code or phone number.

Who Will be Affected?
All customers (homes and businesses) with a 760 number will have to change the way they dial.

What Will be the New Dialing Procedure?
To complete calls from a land line phone, the new dialing procedure requires callers to dial 1 + area code + telephone number.  This means that all calls in the 760 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using 1 + area code + telephone number.  To complete calls from a cellular or mobile phone, callers may dial the area code + telephone number or  1 + area code + telephone number whenever placing a call to a phone number the 760 or 442 area code.

When Will the Change Begin?
Beginning May 2, 2009, you should begin using the new dialing procedure whenever you place a call from the 760 area code.  If you forget and use the old dialing procedure of dialing just seven digits, your call will still be completed.

Beginning October 24, 2009, you must use the new dialing procedure for all calls.  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.

Beginning November 21, 2009, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 442 area code.

What Will You Need to Do?
In addition to changing your dialing procedure, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed with a 7 digit telephone number will need to be reprogrammed to use the new dialing procedure.  Some examples are life safety systems, fax machines, internet dial up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and similar functions.  Be sure to check stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, and your personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

What Will Remain the Same?
Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
You can still dial just three digits to reach 911.

Public Advisor’s Office
866 849 8391
213 576 7055
http://www.cpuc.ca/gov/760areacode

Area Code Hotline
866 340 6147