INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) - The region’s Metro Area is about to gain a new telephone area code while keeping an old one.

Long-time residents remember how telephone area codes were split, new ones added and others shifted to different geographic areas.

The State Public Utilities Commission wants to give folks in area ‘909’ an added designation of ‘840’ as ‘909’ is running out of numbers.

Beginning February 23, 2021, consumers requesting new or additional telephone numbers may be assigned telephone numbers with either the new 840 area code or the original 909 area code, depending on available telephone number inventory.

The switch-over starts January 23rd with an area code overlay and it can be a bit confusing. It does not require customers to change their existing area code and telephone number but does require customers with the 909 or 840 area codes to dial “1” plus the three-digit area code plus the seven-digit telephone number for all calls to and from telephone numbers with the 909 and 840 area codes, including local calls.

If callers do not use the new dialing procedure, the call will not be completed, and a recording will instruct the caller to hang up and dial again using the area code.

The new dialing procedure will not change existing 909 phone numbers or the cost of the call.

Consumers can still dial three digits to reach 9-1-1. Other three-digit codes, such as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, and 811, can also be dialed with just three digits where they are available.

The 909 area code serves the cities of Big Bear Lake, Calimesa, Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Colton, Diamond Bar, Eastvale, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland, Industry, La Verne, Loma Linda, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, San Dimas, Upland, Walnut and Yucaipa. The new 840 area code will serve the same geographic area.

Story Date: February 21, 2021