On Feb. 23, the 840 area code is set to debut in the 909 territories. But the way residents and businesses with 909 area codes complete calls changed on Saturday, Jan. 23.
With the region served by the 909 area code running short on available phone numbers, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the introduction of a new one in June 2019.
Here are five things to know about the change:
1: Callers with 909 area codes must dial 1 ahead of the area code and telephone number for all calls.
2: Calls that do not follow the new dialing procedure will not be completed, CPUC officials say. Instead, a recording will instruct the caller to hang up and dial again using the area code.
3: The overlay does not require customers to change their existing number, officials say, though automatic dialing equipment must be reprogrammed to use the new procedure. Three-digit codes such as 911, 211 and 311 will be unaffected, as will the cost of a call.
4: The 840 area code overlay will serve the San Bernardino Valley, as well as the mountain communities and some areas in eastern Los Angeles County and a small portion of Riverside County.
Presently, the southwestern San Bernardino County cities of Big Bear Lake, Colton, Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland and Yucaipa are served by the 909.
Additionally, the eastern Los Angeles County cities of Claremont, Diamond Bar, Industry, La Verne, Pomona, San Dimas and Walnut, and Riverside County cities Calimesa and Eastvale use the area code.
Unincorporated areas within those counties also are included in the overlay.
5: Depending on inventory, people requesting new or additional telephone numbers starting Feb. 23 may be assigned numbers with either the new 840 or original 909 area code. Those receiving 840 numbers must follow the same dialing procedure in place for 909 numbers.
For more information: cpuc.ca.gov/909areacode
Source: SB Sun