New 820 area code introduction starts Dec. 1

New 820 area code introduction starts Dec. 1

Staff Report

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is reminding both residential and business customers in the 805 area code to prepare for the introduction of the new 820 area code starting Dec. 1.

The 820 area code will be added as an “overlay” to the 805 region to ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers for the area.

This means that most new customers in the area will be assigned the 820 area code, resulting in a mixture of 805 and 820 numbers in the same area.

With the 805/820 overlay, callers must dial 1+ area code + seven digit telephone number when making all local calls. The new dialing procedure will become mandatory for all residential and business customers on June 2, 2018.

Residents and businesses in the 805 area code will retain their phone numbers and area code. Beginning June 30, 2018, consumers requesting new or additional telephone numbers for services may be assigned telephone numbers with either the new 820 area code or the original 805 area code, depending on available telephone number inventory.

Consumers will still be able to dial three digits to reach 911, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, and 811.

The 805 area code serves most of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties and small portions of Monterey and Kern Counties.

For more information, customers should contact their telephone service provider or visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/805areacode.