Wireless Support

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic region as an existing area code. In Connecticut, the new 475 area code will serve customers in the same geographic region as the current 203 area code. Similarly, the new 959 area code, when implemented, will serve customers in the same geographic region as the current 860 area code.  An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area codes or telephone numbers, only the way they dial a call.

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All Connecticut customers with a 203 or 860 telephone number are affected.  The new 475 area code will serve customers in the same geographic region as the current 203 area code and the new 959 area code, when implemented, will serve customers in the same geographic region as the current 860 area code.

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There will be no change to your existing area code or phone number. You need only change the way you dial a call. All customers with a 203 or 860 area code will need to begin dialing the area code and the seven-digit phone number for all calls — including local calls within the same area code.

For example, if you have a 203 or 860 area code and are calling another person with the same area code, you will need to dial the 203 or 860 area code for your call to complete. Effective November 14, 2009, you will no longer be able to dial just the seven-digit phone number to make a call. The same will apply for anyone receiving a 475 or 959 phone number in the future.

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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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Please be aware of the following important dates:

• May 16, 2009 — Begin dialing the area code whenever you make a call, including calls within the same area code. There will be a grace period, so if you happen to forget and dial just the seven-digit phone number, your call will still complete.
• November 14, 2009 — You must dial the area code for ALL calls, including calls within the same area code, or they will not be completed.
• December 12, 2009 — New lines of service may be assigned a phone number with the new 475 area code. Calls within the new 475 area code will require dialing the area code and seven-digit phone number as well.

The new 959 telephone numbers will be assigned at a future date. No dates have been announced at this time.

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In additional to dialing the area code for all calls, you may also need to:

• Update any preprogrammed seven-digit phone numbers in your wireless handset to include the area code.
• Reprogram equipment with automatic dialers that currently dial just the seven-digit phone number, such as life-safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, security systems, speed dialers, call forwarding settings and any equipment with a similar function.
• Check your business stationery and any advertising materials to ensure the area code is included.
• Update any text alert or messaging services that are programmed with a seven-digit phone number to include the area code.

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• Your seven-digit phone number and area code will not change.
• The price of a call, your coverage area or your other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
• You can still dial just three digits to reach 211, 311, 411, 511, 611,711, 811, 911 and other similar 3-digit number that may be available in your community.

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Beginning December 12, 2009, new telephone lines or services may be assigned phone numbers with the 475 area code. If you are assigned a phone number with the 475 area code, you will also need to dial the area code for all calls.

The new 959 telephone numbers will be assigned at a future date. No dates have been announced at this time, but if you receive a 959 telephone number in the future, you will also need to dial the area code for all calls.

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Since two area codes (203 and 475) will serve the same area, customers with the 475 area code will also need to dial the area code for ALL calls.

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If you have any questions about the 203/475 or 860/959 area code overlays, please contact us at (800) 922-0204 or you may visit the Connecticut Government DPUC website.

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