408/669 Area Code
On December 14, 2014, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved an overlay in Decision 11-10-031 to accommodate the need for additional telephone numbers in the 408 area code region. On November 20, 2012, the overlay became effective and the new 669 area code was overlaid onto the 408 area code.
The overlay allowed all existing 408 area code customers to keep their telephone numbers and the 669 area code. However, calls made from the 408 or 669 area code need to be dialed as 1 + area code + 7-digit telephone number. Calls placed from 408 or 669 numbers without the “1” and the area code will not be completed and will result in a recording instructing the caller to hang up and dial again. Cellphone callers who have service with certain cell service providers may be able to complete calls without dialing “1” before the area code.
Dialing 1 + area code + 7-digit telephone number does not change what a call costs and does not mean that a call is a toll or long distance call. Therefore, calling areas and rates do not change. What is a local call before the overlay remains a local call after the overlay and dialing “1” and the area code does not mean there is a charge for the call. Calls to 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 are not affected, and continue to be dialed with 3 digits.
Background
In 1959, the 408 area code was created when it was split off from the 415 area code. The 408 area code was reduced in size in 1999 when San Benito County and most of Monterey County and Santa Cruz County were split from the 408 and assigned the 831 new area code.
Today the 408 and its overlay area code 669 serve primarily Santa Clara County, as well as neighboring cities and small unincorporated portions of Alameda and Santa Cruz Counties. Cities served by the 408 and 669 area codes include the City of San Jose, as well as the Cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, and a portion of Palo Alto.