(KGTV) - San Diegans will soon have to press a few more buttons — if they’re not already doing so.
Starting May 19, everyone will be required to enter the area code then the 7-digit number when making calls or texts to the 619 or 858 area code. The call or message will not go through if you don’t add the area code prefix.
For landlines, there’s one more step for callers. They must enter +1 the area code then the 7-digit number or the call will not be completed.
The change was approved last year by the California Public Utilities Commission in an effort to prevent the area from running out of phone numbers. The CPUC expects all 619 prefixed number to be used up by early next year while 858 has approximately 30 years of phone numbers left.
Experts suggest reprogramming the number with the proper area code prefix in all services like automatic dialing medical systems and alarm systems.
The 619 area code largely serves the city of San Diego and portions of the South Bay, but also East County along with some unincorporated areas.
The 858 area code spans north from San Diego into La Jolla, Del Mar and Solana Beach, as well as inland to Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Bernardo and Poway.
This change will not affect emergency calls to 911.
