New 669 Area Code Hits Silicon Valley This Month

Santa Clara County residents and workers must dial 10-digit phone numbers starting Oct. 20, a month before Silicon Valley's new 669 area code joins the region's longstanding 408. That's because the supply of 408 numbers is quickly running out.

When the 669 is introduced, residents and businesses with a 408 number will keep the same number. Yet those requesting a new or additional number may be given a 669, depending on the availability of 408 numbers.

The Milpitas Chamber of Commerce recommends that residents and businesses take the following steps to prepare for the addition of the 669 -- the 54th area code to be added to California in the past 10 years. 

• Notify alarm service providers.
• Reprogram equipment such as automatic dialers, speed dialers, call forwarding, and modems for computer or internet dial-up access.
• Make sure that security door and gate systems are programmed to begin dialing 1+area code+telephone number.
• Test telephone equipment to determine if it can dial and receive 1+area code+telephone number. 
• Update items such as checks, business cards and brochures to reflect the area code change.