North County residents will now have to start dialing a 1 and the area code when placing calls.
The Del Mar Times reported that the 11-digit dialing procedure will be mandatory for all residential and business customers within the 760 area code starting Saturday, October 24. If residents do not dial a 1 plus the area code, their call will not be completed and a recording will instruct them to hang up and dial again, according to the California Public Utilities Commission.
The CPUC decided last year that there was too much demand on the 760 area code and made plans to add a 442 area code. The CPUC wanted to split the 760 area code, but some businesses and residents fought the split and were able to keep their old phone numbers.
The 760 and 442 area codes cover parts of Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial counties and northern San Diego County, according to the paper.
Beginning November 21, the 442 area code will be assigned to people who request a new telephone number or additional line.
