Updated February 07, 2018
There's a new way to call your friends.
Beginning February 10, 2018, all callers in the 916 area code must use the new 1 + 10-digit dialing procedure for all calls.
After this date, if customers do not use the new dialing procedure, their calls will not be completed and a recording will instruct them to hang up and dial again.
The 916 area code was created in 1947 as one of the original three area codes in California.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved an overlay that will add the new area code 279 to the 916 area code region.
The new area code duplicates the current 916 region, doubling the available numbers for new phone customers.
Beginning March 10, 2018, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the 279 area code.
The added area code provides for future growth and expansion. The current 916 area code has been in use for almost 70 years and is running out of available numbers for future requests for a phone number.