619/858 Area Code

On April 27, 2017, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved a boundary elimination overlay in Decision 17-04-027 to accommodate the need for additional telephone numbers in the geographic region served by the 619 area code. On June 19, 2018, the boundary elimination overlay became effective and the existing 858 area code was overlaid onto the 619 area code.



The overlay allows existing 619 and 858 area code customers to retain their telephone number and area code. However, calls made from the 619 and the 858 area codes need to be dialed as 1 + area code + 7-digit telephone number. Calls placed from 619 or 858 numbers without the “1” and the area code will not be completed and will result in a recording instructing the caller to hang up and dial again. Cellphone callers who have service with certain cell service providers may be able complete calls without dialing “1” before the area code.



Dialing 1 + area code + 7-digit telephone number does not change what a call costs and does not mean that a call is a toll or long distance call. Therefore, calling areas and rates do not change. What is a local call before the overlay remains a local call after the overlay and dialing “1” and the area code does not mean there is a charge for the call. Calls to 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 are not be affected, and continue to be dialed with 3 digits.

Background

The 619 area code was created from a split of the original 714 area code. In 1997, the 619 area code was split to form the 760 area code. In 1999, the 619 area code was split again to create the 858 area code.

Today, the area served by the 619 and 858 area codes comprises the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Santee, Del Mar, Poway, Solana Beach, and a small portion of Encinitas as well as an unincorporated area of San Diego County.

The 619/858 area code territory is adjacent to the 760/442 overlay complex.



