916/530 Area Code Split

Due to the rapidly growing consumer demand in the telecommunications industry, local telephone markets are quickly exhausting their supply of new numbers. Each new pager, cellular, fax machine, and phone number diminishes an already dwindling reserve of possible numbers. As a result, many areas have encountered a shortage of telephone numbers. In the past, such situations have been easily remedied by splitting up already existing area codes. In order to provide more telephone numbers in the 916 area code, the California Public Utilities Commission ordered that it be split into two smaller area code regions: 916 and 530.

The 916 area code split will be introduced in three stages in order to make the transition a smoother one. The goal is for callers to become accustomed to dialing one (1) plus the new area code when making a call from one area code to another. For example, calling from Davis to Sacramento would require dialing 1 + 916 + Number.

Stage 1: Permissive Dialing (11/1/97 to 5/16/98)

This period begins on the first of November, 1997, and will last approximately six months. During the permissive dialing period, you can call from within the 916/530 area code by dialing seven digits, as usual. For example, if dialing from Davis to Sacramento, you would just dial the number (e.g., 564-5555) with no required area code.

You can call into the new 530 area code from an outside location by using either the 916 or 530 area code. For example, if calling Sacramento to Davis, you could either just dial the number (e.g., 753-5555) or dial one (1) plus the area code plus the number (e.g., 1-530-753-5555)

This stage ends on May 16, 1998.

Stage 2: Mandatory Dialing (5/16/98 to 8/15/98)

During this three-month period, calls incorrectly dialed from outside the new area code will be directed to a recording which will inform callers that the new area codes are in effect and must be used in order to complete the call. A one (1) plus a ten (10) digit number must be used to make calls between the 916 and 530 area codes. For example, calling Davis from Sacramento would require dialing 1-530-753-5555.

On August 15, 1998, this stage will come to a close.

Stage 3: End of Mandatory Dialing (from 8/15/98 onward)

After the conclusion of the mandatory dialing stage on August 15, 1998, callers must use the new area codes. Misdialed calls may reach wrong numbers.

Depending on where you live or what the first three numbers in your phone number (prefix) are, you will be assigned an area code that may remain 916, or be changed to 530. After the change has been fully implemented, it will be necessary to dial the appropriate area code when dialing between the 916 and 530 area codes.

Since long-distance telephone charges are based on distance rather than given area codes, the area code split will NOT affect your calling charges in any way. A local call will remain local even after the change, regardless of the area code. The same applies to toll calls.

If you reside in the new 530 area code, you should prepare yourself by notifying, in advance, your families, friends, and business associates of the upcoming change. You may also have to change, among other things, your:

Address Books Advertisements --> Billboards --> Printed Ads --> Television Ads --> Truck Panels Alarm Equipment Automatic Telephone Dialers Bill Statements Business Cards Call Screening Equipment Call Screening List

Checks Computer Lists Electronic Banking Information Emergency Contact Lists Emergency Identification Bracelets Fax Machines Health Provider Cards Number Plate on Telephone Pet ID Tags Private Telephone Systems (PBX) Speed Call List Stationery

If you plan for the changes in advance, you will have plenty of time to order new stationary, business cards, and other printed material, or reprogram your equipment to reflect the change before introduction of the new area code. People with pagers, cellulars, and voice mail should call their service providers to determine whether or not their service will be affected.

NOTE for Communication Resources' clients

Even though the Davis area code will be changing to 530, your pagers and cellulars will remain within the 916 area code. This means that a one (1) plus a full ten-digit number will be needed to complete the page or call. For example, if you wanted to page someone from on-campus and that person was off-campus, you would need to dial a 9 (to get off campus) + a one (1) + the area code + the number (e.g., 9-1-916-555-5555). If your machine is set up to page you automatically when you receive a message, you must reprogram your machine to also dial the correct pager number.

REMINDER: Teach your children their ten digit telephone number, and how to dial it appropriately.

911: 911 services will NOT be affected in anyway by the split. Emergency calls will be handled after the change just as they are today.

411: There will be NO change in the cost of the directory assistance call. 411 can be called for directory assistance within the 916 or 530 area code. You can also obtain the same information by calling 1-916-555-1212 or 1-530-555-1212.

For any questions regarding the area code split, you can contact your local telephone service provider.

Comments can be mailed to:

Director - Telecommunications Division
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA. 94102