As populations grow and the demand for new phone numbers continues to surge, new area codes are periodically introduced across the United States. For residents and businesses in the heart of California, a new number has joined the local landscape: the 637 area code.
If you live in the San Diego area or have dealings there, understanding this new area code is essential. Here’s a complete guide to the 637 area code, where it’s located, and how it impacts you.
Where is the 637 Area Code Located?
The 637 area code serves the southern portion of California, specifically San Diego County. This includes a wide range of cities and communities, such as:
- San Diego proper and its various neighborhoods
- East County communities like El Cajon, Santee, and La Mesa
- North County cities including Oceanside, Escondido, and Carlsbad
- South Bay locations like Chula Vista and National City
Essentially, if your phone number was originally in the 858 or 619 area codes, you are now in the region covered by the new 637 area code.
An Overlay Code for a Growing Region
The 637 area code was implemented as an “overlay” code. An overlay does not replace existing area codes but is instead added to the same geographic region to create a larger pool of available phone numbers. The supply of numbers in the well-established 619 and 858 area codes was projected to run out, necessitating the addition of a new code to serve new customers and devices.
This overlay plan was put into effect to ensure that residents and businesses could continue to get new phone numbers without having to change existing ones.
The Most Important Change: Mandatory Ten-Digit Dialing
The implementation of the 637 area code brought one significant change to the way local calls are made in San Diego County. With three different area codes now serving the same region, ten-digit dialing is mandatory for all local calls.
This means that whether you are calling across the street or across the county, you must dial the full phone number, including the area code:
(Area Code) + XXX-XXXX
Forgetting to include the area code, even if you are calling a number with the same area code as your own, will result in an incomplete call. This change affects everyone in the 619, 858, and the new 637 area code regions.
Key Facts About the 637 Area Code
- Activation Date: The 637 area code officially went into service in late 2018.
- No Changing Numbers: Your existing phone number and its area code (whether 619 or 858) did not change. The 637 area code is only assigned to new phone lines.
- Check Your Devices: It is crucial to ensure all your devices and automatic dialing systems are programmed for ten-digit dialing. This includes medical alert systems, home security systems, and business phone systems.
- What Remains the Same: The price of a call, coverage area, and other rates and services are not affected by the new area code. A local call remains a local call, regardless of whether it’s to a 619, 858, or 637 area code.
In conclusion, the 637 area code is now an integral part of the San Diego County telecommunications network. While its introduction required an adjustment to mandatory ten-digit dialing, it was a necessary step to support the vibrant and growing population of Southern California.
