THE (209)'S NEW BUDDY

AREACODE (350)

RESOURCE

THE (209)'S NEW BUDDY THE (350)

OUR VALLEY’S NEWEST AREA CODE

BY JESSICA ZIMMER

In May, “350” became San Joaquin Valley’s newest area code, by way of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

This second area code, called an overlay, is meant to relieve demand on “209” and “559,” the existing area codes for Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne counties. Part of the need comes from the fact that “209” is projected to run out of numbers by December 31.

Entities with numbers with a “209” or “559” area code will retain their existing numbers and there will be no charge to dial a number with a “350” area code. Callers in the Valley may still dial only three digits to reach 911, as well as 211, a free local number to learn about community services, and 311, a non-emergency local number to call regarding complaints about local government. IF YOU RECEIVE A 350 NUMBER, HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO TO PREPARE FOR THE SWAP:

• Contact security and alarm companies to update your number and avoid a break in service.

• Reprogram equipment or features like automatic dial and call forwarding if necessary.

• Update checks and other documents with the “350” area code as needed.

• Share the new area code and phone number with key institutions such as schools.

• Update emergency contacts if they change to a number with a “350” area code.

• When exchanging contact info with new acquaintances, share the area code as well as the phone number.

• When asking for a new contact’s number, ask for the area code if they don’t provide it.

A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND:

The “209” area code was created in 1958, after it was split from the 415 area code. The overlay “559” was added in 1997. Regional area codes are assigned according to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which serves the U.S., its territories, Canada, and numerous countries in the Caribbean. AT&T developed the NANP in 1947 to make it easier to dial long distance calls.