The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will begin the process to introduce a new area code to the area now served by the 530 area code, as the 530 area code is expected to be depleted of phone numbers by September 2025. The telecommunications service providers have proposed to introduce the new 837 area code using the overlay method. Adding a new 837 area code to the area now served by the 530 area code will provide additional prefixes and new telephone numbers for the 530 customers. The overlay will allow all customers to keep their current phone numbers, including their area code.
Who is affected and when does the new 837 area code become effective?
Beginning January 31, 2025, customers in the 530 area code region may be assigned a number in the new 837 area code when they request new service or an additional line. Customers receiving the 837 area code will be required to dial 1+10 digits for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 530 area code do today. Mobile phone customers receiving 837 numbers may dial either 10 digits or 1+10 digits.
The CPUC has made information available at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/530areacode Comments about the information may be submitted to the CPUC Numbering Staff by e-mail at Numbering_Help@cpuc.ca.gov, or by postal mail to 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102 by May 4, 2023.
