Change of AREA CODE (408) to (669) as of 10/21/12

Posted: 9/24/12/Mon


PURPOSE

To announce a forthcoming important change in the regional communications infrastructure -- namely the "overlay" of a new area code (669), which effectively replaces (408) in the south of the San Francisco Bay Area, and which is mandated for adoption, starting 21 October.

DISCUSSION

This change is explained, below, in both official and plain language.  Following these, it seemed reasonable to include a few general links, perhaps relevant to this topic.

1.  In Official Language

New California Area Code: 669 -- Article excerpt:

• The California Public Utilities Commission approved on October 20, 2011 the introduction of an overlay area code as a relief plan for existing NPA 408 serving cities such as Santa Clara, Cupertino, San Jose, Sunnyvale. 
• The new area code 669 will cover the exact same area currently covered by area code 408. 
• As a result 1+10 digit dialing will be the dialing format for residents of this area. 
• Permissive 1+10 digit dialing in area code 408 will commence on April 21, 2012 and end on October 20, 2012 when 1+10 digit dialing becomes mandatory. 
• The new area code 669 will officially be activated on November 20, 2012.
• See official NANPA announcement and map of the new overlay complex (PDF document)

2.  In Plain Language

This nice article, entitled "South Bay area code overlay starts in October," Mountain View Voice, explains the whole thing in plain language

3.  Relevant General Topics

About Area Code: 408 (Wikipedia discussion)
Area Code Map: California (White Pages)
List of North American Numbering Plan Area Codes (Wikipedia discussion)
Telephone Numbering Plans, In General (Wikipedia discussion)


David Nelson