Anyone who uses a landline in the city of San Diego and the South Bay area may be affected by two proposals put forth by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on Tuesday to create new phone numbers.
The CPUC says 619 area code numbers are running out, so new landline customers will get a different area code. Existing customers will keep their current numbers.
As of now, there are two proposals:
- Option 1: Add a new area code to the region that is currently 619
- Option 2: Merge the regions using 619 and 858 area code.
"It didn't really matter all that much,” said Mission Valley resident Brooke Palmer. “I don't know. I really don't have an opinion on that."
Ocean Beach resident Dan Dennison told NBC 7 the changes don’t really affect him.
"It doesn't make much difference to me,” Dennison said. “It's happening all around the country so I think this is an issue that people just have to deal with."
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San Diegans who rely on their mobile phones for communication say they not too worried because either proposal will not affect them. But if you decide to add a landline in the future, both proposals would impact you.
For option 1, if you decide to add a landline after the changes are put in place, you will be given a number with the new area code, which has not been decided yet. For option 2: If you add a landline, you will be given a number with the 858 area code.
However, both options would require customers to dial +1 and the area code, if calling a number that has a different area code, even if it’s your next-door neighbor.
A community meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the La Colonia Community Center in Solana Beach to address any questions or concerns.
