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CA 408 / 669 Area Code Overlay

General Information

  1. What is an Area Code Overlay?

    An overlay is the addition of another area code (669) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (408). It does not require you to change your existing area code or telephone number, but it will require you to change the way you dial your calls. The overlay ensures a continuing supply of telephone numbers for the 408 geographic region.

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  2. Who will be affected by the CA 408 / 669 Area Code Overlay?

    Anyone who has a telephone number with a 408 area code is affected, as well as anyone that receives a telephone number from the 669 area code in the future. The 408 area code generally covers most of Santa Clara County and small portions of Alameda and Santa Cruz Counties. It principally serves the communities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Palo Alto, San Jose, San Martin, Santa Clara, Saratoga, San Antonio, Sunnyvale and a small portion of Fremont. The 669 area code will cover the same geographic area as the 408 area code.

    Santa Clara Overlay Map

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  3. What will be the new dialing procedure for customers with a 408 or 669 area code?

    To place a call from a landline phone, the 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.

    To complete calls from a mobile phone, callers may dial the area code + telephone number or 1 + area code + telephone number.

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  4. When will the change begin for the CA 408 / 669 Area Code Overlay?

    On April 21, 2012, you should begin using the new dialing procedures whenever you place a call from the 408 area code. If you forget and dial just seven digits, your call will still be completed.

    Beginning October 20, 2012, you must use the new dialing procedures, as described above for all calls. After this date, if you do not use the new dialing procedures, your calls will not be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

    Beginning November 20, 2012, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 669 area code.

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  5. What will I need to do to prepare for the CA 408 / 669 Area Code Overlay?

    In addition to changing the way you dial a call, automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment that are programmed with a 7-digit number will need to be reprogrammed to use the new dialing procedures.

    Some examples of items that could be affected are life safety systems, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dials, call forwarding settings, voice mail services, etc. You may also want to check your business stationery, personal checks, personal and pet ID tags or advertising materials to ensure the area code is included.

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  6. What will remain the same after the 408 / 669 Area Code Overlay?

    The following items will remain the same:

    • Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.

    • The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.

    • What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.

    • You can still dial just three digits to reach 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811.

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  7. Who can I contact with questions about the CA 408 / 669 Area Code Overlay?

    If you have any questions regarding the CA 408 / 669 Area Code Overlay, please call us at (800) 922-0204 or visit the CPUC website at www.cpuc.ca.gov/408areacode for more information.

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