The 279 area code serves as a vital telecommunications link for the vibrant city of Sacramento, California, and its surrounding communities. As an overlay code to the well-established 916 area code, it plays a crucial role in meeting the growing communication needs of this region.
279 Area Code: A Brief History and Significance
The 279 area code was introduced in 2018 by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as a solution to the increasing demand for phone numbers in the Sacramento area. As the population and businesses in the region continued to expand, the existing 916 area code was projected to exhaust its available phone number supply. To address this issue, the CPUC implemented the 279 area code as an overlay, allowing both area codes to coexist and serve the same geographic region.
Geographic Coverage of the 279 Area Code
The 279 area code covers a vast expanse of Northern California, encompassing not only the city of Sacramento but also several neighboring cities and counties. The area code’s geographic reach includes:
Sacramento County: The heart of the region, including the state capital, Sacramento, and its surrounding suburbs.
Placer County: Home to cities like Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln.
El Dorado County: Known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Yolo County: Encompassing the city of Davis, home to the University of California, Davis.
Sutter County: A primarily agricultural county with a growing population.
Understanding Area Code Overlays: 916 and 279
An area code overlay, like the one implemented in Sacramento with 916 and 279, means that both area codes serve the same geographic area. This eliminates the need for existing phone numbers to change when a new area code is introduced. Instead, new phone numbers are assigned with the new area code, ensuring a seamless transition and minimizing disruptions for residents and businesses.
What Does the 279 Area Code Mean for You?
If you live or work within the 279 area code, you’ll notice that both 916 and 279 numbers are used interchangeably. When making local calls, you’ll need to dial the area code along with the seven-digit phone number, regardless of whether it’s a 916 or 279 number. This applies to both landline and mobile phones.
The Impact of the 279 Area Code on Businesses
For businesses operating in the Sacramento region, the introduction of the 279 area code presented both challenges and opportunities. While some businesses had to update their marketing materials and communications to include the new area code, it also opened up a wider pool of available phone numbers for new businesses and expansions.
Using the 279 Area Code for Local Marketing
Businesses can leverage the 279 area code for local marketing purposes. By obtaining a phone number with the 279 area code, they can signal to customers that they are a local business, potentially increasing their appeal and trust among the local community.
Dial 10 Digits: Remember to dial the area code (either 916 or 279) along with the seven-digit phone number for all local calls.
Update Contact Information: Ensure that your business cards, website, and other marketing materials reflect both 916 and 279 area codes.
Inform Customers: If your business has a 916 number, let your customers know that they may also see incoming calls from 279 numbers.
Check Availability: If you’re looking for a new phone number, check the availability of numbers with both 916 and 279 area codes.
The Future of the 279 Area Code
The 279 area code is expected to continue serving the Sacramento region for the foreseeable future, alongside the 916 area code. As technology advances and communication needs evolve, it’s possible that additional area codes may be introduced in the future to accommodate further growth in the region.
