California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE

Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov

CPUC REMINDS CONSUMERS IN THE 818 AREA CODE
OF NEW DIALING PROCEDURES

SAN FRANCISCO, April 10, 2009 -- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today reminded consumers in the 818 area code that due to the 747 area code overlay, they must dial 1 + area code + telephone number beginning April 18, 2009. This means that all calls in the 818 or 747 area codes need to be dialed using 1+ area code + telephone number.

On April 24, 2008, the CPUC approved an all-services overlay that added a new 747 area code to the same geographic region as the existing 818 area code in order to provide additional telephone numbers to meet consumer demand. The 818/747 area codes cover the greater San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County in Southern California.

Since two area codes will now serve the same geographic region, the area code must be used when dialing any telephone number - including calls within the same area code beginning April 18, 2009. After April 18, 2009, if consumers do not use the dialing procedure described above, their call will not be completed and a recording will instruct them to hang up and dial again.

Consumers should ensure that their automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment that are programmed with a 7-digit telephone number are reprogrammed to use the new dialing procedure. Some examples are life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions. Consumers should also check their website, business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, contact information, and their pet or personal ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

As a result of the overlay, a consumer's existing telephone number, including current area code, will not change, nor will the cost of a telephone call, coverage area, or other rates and services. A local call will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.

Consumers can still dial just three digits to reach 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, and 811.

Beginning May 18, 2009, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 747 area code.

To complete calls from a cellular or mobile phone, callers may dial the area code + telephone number or 1 + area code and telephone number whenever placing a call from a phone number with the 818 or 747 area code.

For more information on the 818/747 area codes, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/Telco/generalInfo/Area+Codes/818+Area+Code.htm.

For more information on communications issues, please visit www.CalPhoneInfo.com.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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