Some living in 209 area code will need to switch to 350

Another big change is coming for people living in the 209 area code: Some will have to switch to another area code by the year’s end.

The 209 area code stretches from El Dorado County down to just past Merced, including the cities of Galt, Stockton, and Modesto.

Presently, people in this area code must dial 1 plus the area code and number from a home phone to make local calls or just the 10-digit number from a cellphone. 

By the last three months of this year, the 209 area code will run out of prefixes. So the California Public Utilities Commission has decided the 350 area code will be added as an overlay starting Nov. 1.

All callers in the 209 area code will keep their current numbers, but some will have a 350 or a 209 area code. 

Future customers in the area will be assigned a 350 area code.