Boundary Elimination Area Code Overlay for San Diego

The boundary between the geographic region served by the 619 and 858 area codes in San Diego is being eliminated. Known as a boundary elimination area code overlay, the purpose of this is to increase the geographic confines for both numbers, ensuring a continuing supply of numbers in the area. Living in South Cali? Here’s what you need to know:

What’s a boundary elimination area code overlay anyways?

In essence, a boundary elimination area code overlay eliminates the geographic boundaries between two or more area codes. This means that the existing areas being served by the area code 619 will now also be served by the area code 858 and vice versa. So, if you were looking for a new number within this newly combined region, you will either get digits with either of the area codes mentioned. If you already have existing numbers with these area codes, you’ll have to start dialing with the area code included.

Who’s affected by this change?

| 619 area code serves the following regions and will be affected: | | Southern portion of San Diego | | Chula Vista | | Coronado | | El Cajon | | Imperial Beach | | La Mesa | | Lemon Grove | | National City | | Santy | | Unincorporated areas of San Diego County |

| 858 area code serves the following regions and will be affected: | | Northern portion of San Diego | | Del Mar | | Poway | | Solana Beach | | Encinitas |

How does this change affect me?

A boundary elimination area code overlay does not mean that you have to get a new phone number. However, if you have a 619 or 858 phone number and calling locally, you’ll now have to dial 1 + area code + telephone number. This means you’ll have to get used to dialing 11 digits instead of seven.

This also means that you need to change all dialing procedures, services and any automated dialing equipment that you may have that’s currently only dialing 7 digits. Some examples are life safety systems, medical monitoring devices, fax machines, PBXs, alarms and security systems, speed dialers, call forwarding settings and voicemails, among others.

When will the change happen?

• November 11, 2017 - begin new dialing procedure 1 + area code + telephone number
• May 19, 2018 - 7 digit calls will no longer go through - you must use the new dialing procedure
• June 19, 2018 - new phone numbers or service lines in the former 619 region will now be assigned numbers with the area code 619 or 858, and vice versa.

Remember that your phone number will not change, it’s just how you dial locally that will. However, the price of a call will remain the same - you’ll still be calling locally if you live in the area regardless if you’re dialing 619 or 858.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at +1.888.980.9750. You can also go here for more information.