Why is another area code necessary where I live or work?

There are a limited number of combinations of prefixes that are available to be used with an area code.  Some prefixes are unavailable due to being used for public access information such as 911 or 411.  Prefixes, also called codes, are assigned and are specific to, geographic locations which are called rate centers.  That means that a prefix that has been assigned to one geographic location or rate center is not available in another rate center.  Some rate centers run low on prefixes and require more prefixes.  At some point there are no additional prefixes that are available for assignment.  When there are no more prefixes available for assignment, more numbers must be made available and this means the addition of another area code.

What is an area code overlay?

An area code overlay is a form of area code change that typically adds a second area code to the same geographic region. Therefore, multiple area codes can co-exist within the same geographic region. People with telephone numbers within the exhausting 760 area code will retain their current telephone number(s) and area code. This includes both land lines as well as cellular phones. Individuals who would like to have new or additional telephone numbers or telecommunications services may be given telephone numbers with the new overlaid area code.

What will the new overlaid area code be and who will get it?

The new overlaid area code in North San Diego County will be 442. Consumers who order new telephone numbers or services will most likely receive the new area code.

Will I be affected by an area code change?

If you have a telephone number within the 760 area code, you will be affected by the area code overlay option when it is implemented. When the area code overlay is implemented, individuals will be able to retain their current telephone number and area code, but will need to dial 1+ the area code and the telephone number for all calls. This ten +1 digit dialing protocol is a change from the current seven digit dialing that customers use to make local calls.

When will the CPUC implement the 760/442 overlay for North San Diego County?

            The CPUC has set the following implementation plan:

            Sat. May 2, 2009            Permissive Dialing begins

            Sat. Oct 24, 2009            Mandatory Dialing begins

            Sat. Nov 21, 2009           New 442 Area code becomes effective

Will there be a change in how I dial emergency calls to 9-1-1?

No. individuals can still just dial only three digits to reach 9-1-1. No additional digits will be required to make emergency calls.

Will there be a change in how I dial other N-1-1 phone numbers?

No. Individuals can still just dial only three digits to call N-1-1 phone numbers such as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, and 711.

What can individuals do to prepare for the area code overlay?

• Contact security or alarm vendors, to update dial-up numbers to avoid a break in security routines and contacts.
• Reprogram equipment or features i.e., automatic dial, speed-dial, call forwarding, modems for computer or internet dial-up access etc., programmed to dial seven digits to dial "1" + area code + telephone number.
• Start thinking of dialing 1 + the area code + telephone number for all calls.
• Advise families, friends etc., to dial 1 + the area code + telephone number for all calls.
• Provide your area code + telephone number, not just the telephone number, as needed.
• When asking for someone else’s number, remember to ask for the area code too.
• Remember that the previous area code and the new area code will co-exist within the same geographic region.

What can businesses do to prepare for the area code overlay?

• Notify alarm service providers of the appropriate area code + telephone number(s) so alarm service records and equipment can be updated as needed.
• Ensure security door and gate systems are reprogrammed to dial "1" + area code + telephone number.
• Reprogram any call-forwarding, automatic-dial or speed-dial features to dial "1" + area code + telephone number.
• Test telephone equipment to determine if it can dial and receive "1" + area code + telephone number. Questions regarding changes in telephone equipment should be directed to telephone equipment vendors.
• Teach employees, coworkers, customers etc., to dial the area code + telephone number for all calls.
• Provide your area code + telephone number to your business contacts, not just the telephone number.

Will the cost of a call differ because of the area code change?

No.

Will calls between a telephone number with the new area code and a telephone number with the old area code be considered a long distance call?

Calls that were local before the area code change will remain local calls. The distance, time of day, and length of a call determine the price of a call not the dialing pattern.

If I dial a "0" before the area code + telephone number, will there be special charges for that call?

It is possible for there to be special charges if an individual dials a "0" before the area code + telephone number. There may be special operator-assisted rates or credit card rates for this type of a call. It depends on your telecommunications service provider. Check with your service provider for additional information.

How will customer directory listings be impacted?

The telecommunications industry will be updating the directory listings in the white pages for all affected communities to identify the associated area code of a telephone number. Individual customers are responsible for any changes to listings appearing in other directories. Each customer is responsible for telephone numbers appearing in any display advertising.