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Making a local call? Starting Sunday, you'll need to use the area code

Starting Sunday, Oct. 24, all phone calls in the 650 area code will require the 10-digit number, even if you're calling another 650 number. Embarcadero Media file photo by Magali Gauthier.

Starting on Sunday, Oct. 24, all phone calls on the Peninsula-- even local ones -- will require the three-digit area code, the FCC announced. The 650 area code is one of 82 across the country making the switch.

In California, you may also need to dial 1 before the area code, according to the FCC.

The rollout of a new three-digit number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is the reason behind the change. Last year, the FCC established 988 as the nationwide three-digit phone number for the service which will be available nationwide by July 16, 2022. It "will provide an easy to remember and easy to dial three-digit number to reach suicide prevention and mental health counselors, similar to 911 for emergencies and 311 for local government services," the FCC said in a statement.

Callers needing help are advised to continue using the old number, 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) during the transition period.

According to the FCC, on and after Oct. 24, local calls dialed with only seven digits may not connect, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. If that happens, hang up and dial again using the area code and the seven-digit number.

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A full list of affected area codes is online here.

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Andrea Gemmet
Andrea Gemmet was born and raised in the Midpeninsula and has been with the Mountain View Voice since 2010. She became editor of The Almanac in 2020, where she had previously worked as a reporter. Read more >>

Follow Mountain View Voice Online on Twitter @mvvoice, Facebook and on Instagram @mvvoice for breaking news, local events, photos, videos and more.

Making a local call? Starting Sunday, you'll need to use the area code

by / Mountain View Voice

Uploaded: Sat, Oct 23, 2021, 3:53 pm

Starting on Sunday, Oct. 24, all phone calls on the Peninsula-- even local ones -- will require the three-digit area code, the FCC announced. The 650 area code is one of 82 across the country making the switch.

In California, you may also need to dial 1 before the area code, according to the FCC.

The rollout of a new three-digit number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is the reason behind the change. Last year, the FCC established 988 as the nationwide three-digit phone number for the service which will be available nationwide by July 16, 2022. It "will provide an easy to remember and easy to dial three-digit number to reach suicide prevention and mental health counselors, similar to 911 for emergencies and 311 for local government services," the FCC said in a statement.

Callers needing help are advised to continue using the old number, 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) during the transition period.

According to the FCC, on and after Oct. 24, local calls dialed with only seven digits may not connect, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. If that happens, hang up and dial again using the area code and the seven-digit number.

A full list of affected area codes is online here.

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