Santa Clara County Prepares for 669 New Area Code in April

408 area code, meet your new neighbor: the 669.

To guarantee a continuing supply of new telephone numbers for Santa Clara County, the California Public Utilities Commission is introducing the new area code.

After a six month “permissive dialing period” beginning in April the new area code will become active in November.

Starting today, Sunday, April 1, callers will need to dial ‘1’ plus the 408 area code and the seven-digit telephone number.

After Oct. 20, they will just need to dial ‘1’ plus a seven-digit number when making all calls.

Individual telephone numbers, and the prices of local calls, will remain the same.

Verizon advised its customers to start preparing now for the new area code.

“Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment that are programmed with 10-digit telephone numbers recognize the new 669 area code as a valid code,” wrote Verizon spokeswoman Heather Pond in a press release.

Individuals and business owners, she said, should make sure their area code is included in their business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks and personal or pet ID.

Currently the 408 area code covers most of Santa Clara County, including Los Gatos, Campbell, Cupertino, Milpitas and Gilroy.