The 860 area code is being phased out for new numbers moving forward in the region and a new 959 area code is being introduced in its place.
This won't affect people who already have a phone with an 860 area code. Those numbers won't change.
However, Connecticut's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) have announced an "overlay," meaning the introduction of a new area code to the same geographic region. The 860 area code has become exhausted because of the growing demand for new phone numbers, which is why 959 is being introduced into the mix.
So, to meet customer demand, new numbers in the area served by the 860 area code will get the new 959 area code. PURA made the announcement last year.
Customers won't be required to change their current numbers to the new 959 area code, so it won't affect existing numbers.
When placing calls, you'll still dial the area code and telephone number for local calls and 1 plus the area code plus the telephone number for long distance calls. The cost for calls and coverage areas won't change and customers will still dial services like 911, 411 and 211 with three digits.
PURA said customers should still identify their numbers as a ten digit number that includes the area code and ensure all equipment recognizes 959 as a valid area code, such as automatic dialing equipment, life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, et cetera.
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Customers are also advised to make sure all business stationary, advertising materials, personal checks and pet and personal identification tags have the area code.
You can call you respective phone carriers with any questions.
