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The 279 area code is a telephone area code in North America, which was first introduced in 2017. It is an overlay area code that covers the same geographic area as the 916 area code in California. An overlay area code means that it was added to the existing area code rather than replacing it, to ensure that there are enough phone numbers available to meet the growing demand.
If you’re a resident or a business owner in this area code, it’s important to understand its history, geographic coverage, and common uses to make the most of its benefits.
History of the 279 Area Code
This area code was established on March 10, 2018, as a result of the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) running out of available phone numbers in the 916 area code. This area code was added as an overlay to the existing 916 area code, which serves the greater Sacramento area in California.
Geographic Coverage of the 279 Area Code
This area code covers the same geographic area as the 916 area code, which includes the following counties in California: Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo, and portions of San Joaquin and Yuba. This includes cities such as Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, and Davis.
Common Uses of the 279 Area Code
This area code is commonly used for a variety of purposes, including personal and business phone numbers, fax lines, and other communication services. It’s important to note that if you have a phone number with the 916 area code, you will need to continue using that area code for your existing phone numbers.
Tips for Dialing the 279 Area Code
If you need to dial a phone number with this area code, it’s important to remember to include the full 10-digit number, including the area code. This applies to both landline and mobile phone numbers.
In addition, if you have a phone number with the 916 area code, it’s important to update your contact information and inform your friends, family, and business contacts of your new phone number with this area code.
Conclusion
This area code is an overlay area code that was added to the existing 916 area code in California in 2017. It covers the same geographic area as the 916 area code and is commonly used for personal and business phone numbers, fax lines, and other communication services. If you’re a resident or business owner in this area code, it’s important to understand its history, geographic coverage, and common uses to make the most of its benefits.
FAQ’S
Q: What is the 279 area code?
A: This area code is an overlay area code that was introduced in 2017 to supplement the existing 315 area code in upstate New York.
Q: Where is the 279 area code located?
A: This area code overlays the same geographic area as the 315 area code, which covers a large portion of central and northern New York State, including the cities of Syracuse, Utica, and Watertown.
Q: Why was the 279 area code created?
A: This area code was created to provide additional phone numbers for the growing population and increasing demand for telephone service in the 315 area code region.
Q: Do I need to change my phone number if I have a 315 area code?
A: No, if you already have a phone number with the 315 area code, you can keep it. This area code was introduced as an overlay, which means that new phone numbers may be assigned either the 315 or 279 area code, depending on availability.
Q: Do I need to dial the area code when making local calls within the 315/279 area code region?
A: Yes, as of February 11, 2022, all calls within the 315/279 area code region require 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number), even for local calls.
Q: Will I be charged extra for calling a number with the 279 area code?
A: No, calling a number with this area code is charged the same as calling a number with the 315 area code, as both area codes cover the same geographic area.
Q: How do I know if a phone number has the 315 or 279 area code?
A: You can identify the area code of a phone number by looking at the first three digits of the phone number. Phone numbers with the 315 area code have the prefix of 2xx, 3xx, 4xx, 5xx, or 9xx, while phone numbers with the 279 area code have the prefix of 8xx.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns about the 279 area code?
A: If you have any questions or concerns about the 279 area code, you can contact your phone service provider or the New York State Public Service Commission.
