FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Docket #: D.05-08-040

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

AREA CODE OVERLAY BEGINS JULY 26 FOR 310 AREA CODE

SAN FRANCISCO, July 24, 2006 - The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today reminded consumers that beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2006, all calls made within the 310/424 area code region must be made by dialing 1+area code+seven-digit number for all calls, even local ones. If consumers forget to use the new dialing procedure, the call will not go through and a recording will instruct the caller to hang up and use the new dialing procedure.

The PUC unanimously approved an all-services area code overlay in August 2005 for the existing 310 area code in Southern California. The overlay will add a new area code, 424, to the same geographic region covered by the 310 area code. The addition of the 424 area code will replenish the dwindling stock of available telephone numbers in the region.

Consumers should reprogram all services, automatic-dialing or speed-dialing equipment, etc., to use the new dialing procedure. Some examples are cellular phones, cordless phones, life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, call forwarding settings, and voicemail services.

The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay. A local call remains a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.

An overlay will not require consumers with existing telephone numbers to change their area code. Consumers that want new telephone numbers or services may receive the new 424 area code within the same residence or business where multiple telephone numbers already exist. Telephone numbers with the new 424 area code will be issued starting August 26, 2006.

If consumers have any technical difficulties related to the area code overlay, they should contact their service provider.

For more information, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/310overlay.

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