New CT Area Code Goes Into Effect in August

With the remaining 860 area code telephone numbers expected to run out by the end of 2014, the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) announced Monday that numbers using a new area code, 959, will be released later this year.

The 959 area code will act as an overlay to the 860 region — routing to the same geographic area — and phone numbers with the new digits could appear as early as Aug. 30.

According to PURA, an overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code, personal telephone numbers or the manner in which they dial local calls, but beginning in September, any new service or additional lines will be assigned a 959 number.

Here’s what consumers can expect:

• Existing telephone numbers, including current area code, will not change;
• Customers will continue to dial area code and telephone number for local calls, and 1 before the area code and telephone number for long distance calls;
• Local calling areas will remain the same;
• Prices for calls and coverage areas will not change due to the overlay;
• Customers will still dial services such as 911 (211, 411, 811, etc.) with just three digits.
• Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment and other types of equipment recognize 959 as a valid area code. 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.