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Questions & Answers

What is an Area Code Overlay?
An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic region as an existing area code. In this instance, the 747 area code is being added to the region served by 818. An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code or telephone number, but it does require callers with both area codes to dial the area code and the 7-digit number for all calls.

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Who is affected?
Anyone who has a telephone number with an 818 area code is affected. The 818 area code serves the following Southern California communities, as will the 747 area code in the future.

Review a map of the area code overlay

 Agoura Hills   Mission Hills  Sun Valley
 Burbank  North Hollywood  Sunland
 Calabassas  Northridge  Sylmar
 Canoga Park  Oak Park  Thousand Oaks (portion)
 Chatsworth  Pacoima  Tujunga
 Encino  Pasadena (portion)  Van Nuys
 Glendale  Reseda  Valley Village
 Granada Hils  San Fernando  West Hills
 Hidden Hills  Sepulveda  Westlake Village
 La Canada Flintridge  Sherman Oaks  Woodland Hills
 La  Crescenta-Montrose  Studio City  

NOTE: Map and community list may not include all communities in the 818/747 area codes.

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How will calls in the 818 area code need to be dialed?
The new 747 area code is being added to the region served by 818. Since two area codes will soon serve the same region, customers with an 818 (or 747) area code must now dial the area code for all calls – including calls within the same area code.

This means, if you have an 818 phone number and call another 818 phone number, you will have to dial the area code. You will no longer be able to dial just the seven-digit phone number.

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When will the change begin?
Beginning October 11, 2008, all customers with an 818 area code should begin dialing the area code for ALL calls. There will be a grace period, so if you forget and dial just seven digits during the grace period, your call will still be completed.

Beginning April 18, 2009, if you do not use an area code, your call will not be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

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Will the change affect my service?
No, you will only need to dial the area code for all calls. Your current area code and seven-digit telephone number will not change, nor will your calling plan or toll-free calling area.

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What will I need to do to prepare for the overlay?
In addition to dialing the area code for all calls, please make certain all automatic dialing equipment, text alert or messaging services, and other types of equipment that are programmed with a seven-digit number are reprogrammed to use an area code. Be sure to check that the phone numbers pre-programmed in your wireless handset include the area code. You may also want to check your business stationery and advertising materials to ensure the area code is included.

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When will 747 telephone numbers be assigned?
As early as May 18, 2009, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 747 area code.

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How will customers with a 747 area code need to dial calls?
Since two area codes (818 and 747) will serve the same region, customers with the 747 area code will also have to dial the area code for ALL calls.

This means that if you have a 747 phone number and call another 747 phone number, you will have to dial the area code. You cannot dial just the seven-digit phone number.

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What will remain the same?
  • Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
  • The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
  • What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
  • You can still dial just three digits to reach 411, 611, 911, and other 3-digit numbers that may be available in your community.

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Who may I contact with questions?

If you have any questions regarding the information provided, please visit the California Public Utilities Commission website.

You may also Contact Us by phone at the following numbers:

  • Customer Service at (800) 922-0204.
  • Prepay Customer Service at (888) 294-6804.

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