New area code is coming soon to Northern California. Who can make the switch and when?
Ready for a change?
Residents and business owners in parts of Northern California will soon have access to a new area code, according to the California Public Utilities Commission.
With new telephone numbers in the 530 area code region in “high demand,” the utilities commission approved an area code overlay that “adds a second area code to the same geographic region served by the existing 530 area code.”
That region includes Chico, Davis, Redding and South Lake Tahoe.
The utilities commission first shared news of the move in May.
Here’s what to know:
When will new area code take effect in Northern California?
Starting Friday, Jan 31, customers in the 530 area code region “may be assigned a number in the new 837 area code when they request new service or an additional line,” the utilities commission said.
Customers who switch to the 837 area code will be required to dial “1” plus the area code and phone number for all local calls, the utilities commission said, “just as customers with telephone numbers from the 530 area code do today.”
The overlay won’t affect the price of calls, or coverage areas.
“What is a local call now will remain a local call,” the state agency said.
Do I have to change my phone number?
The 837 area code will only be issued for new phone numbers in the region currently served by the 530 area code.
“Telephone numbers including the current area code will not change,” the utilities commission said.
What if I don’t want a new area code?
If you’re getting a new phone line, you may not have a choice.
The current 530 area code is expected to be “depleted” by September, the utilities commission said.
Which areas does the 530 area code cover?
All areas of California that are covered under the 530 area code will have access to the new overlay.
The geographic region serves Chico, Davis, El Dorado Hills, Oroville, Paradise, Placerville, Red Bluff, Redding, South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Woodland, and Yuba City, as well as unincorporated areas, according the the CPUC.
How do I prepare for the switch?
Northern California businesses and residents can prepare for the overlay by keeping friends, family and customers up-to-date on their current phone numbers, according to the California Public Utilities Commission.
They’ll want to ensure their websites, stationery, advertising materials and other contact information feature the new area code.
It’s also important to update any devices that store phone numbers in contact lists, such as cellphones, fax machines, medical alert devices and security systems, the utilities commission said.
Which California counties are affected?
Parts of the following California counties are covered under the 530 area code and will have access to the new overlay:
- Alpine
- Butte
- Colusa
- El Dorado
- Glenn
- Humboldt
- Lassen
- Modoc
- Mono
- Nevada
- Placer
- Plumas
- Shasta
- Sierra
- Siskiyou
- Solano
- Sutter
- Tehama
- Trinity
- Yolo
- Yuba
