New '669' Area Code Requires All to Dial Differently, Starting Immediately

408 area code, meet your new neighbor—the 669.

In order to guarantee a continuing supply of new telephone numbers for the Santa Clara County area, the California Public Utilities Commission is introducing the new area code.

After a six month "permissive dialing period" beginning in April, the new area code will become active in November for all new telephone subscribers.

Starting this past Sunday, Apr. 1, callers are encouraged to dial '1' plus the 408 area code and the seven-digit telephone number. After Oct. 20, they will must add the '1' when dialing.

Individual telephone numbers, and the prices of local calls, will remain the same.

Verizon advised its customers to start preparing now for the new area code.

"Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment that are programmed with 10-digit telephone numbers recognize the new 669 area code as a valid code," wrote communications Spokeswoman Heather Pond in a press release.

Individuals and business owners, they said, should make sure their area code is included in their business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks and personal or pet ID.

Currently the 408 area code covers most of Santa Clara County, including Milpitas, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Gilroy, Los Gatos, Campbell and Cupertino.

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