The area code 959 is a standard geographical area code in the United States, covering the central and eastern regions of the state of Connecticut (CT). It is part of an overlay complex, meaning it serves the exact same territory as the older 860 area code.
This guide provides the definitive location of the 959 area code, lists the major cities that use it, and clarifies the dialing rules required when calling numbers in this region.
-
Location and Time Zone of Area Code 959
The 959 area code was introduced in 2014 as an overlay for the original 860 area code to meet the increasing demand for new phone numbers in Connecticut due to population growth and the proliferation of mobile devices.
- State: Connecticut (CT)
- Geographic Region: Northern and Eastern Connecticut (it covers most of the state, excluding the southwestern region, which uses the 203/475 overlay).
- Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET). This zone observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during daylight saving time.
Major Cities Covered by 959
The 959 area code serves the primary economic and cultural hubs in Connecticut outside the New Haven/Bridgeport metro area. Numbers in these areas may start with either 860 or 959.
- Hartford (The state capital and major hub for the insurance industry)
- New Britain
- Bristol
- East Hartford
- Middletown
- Norwich
- Torrington
- West Hartford
-
Overlay and Dialing Requirements
Because the 959 area code is an overlay of 860, both area codes cover the exact same geographic territory. This means 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls within this region.
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
When calling any phone number in the central or eastern Connecticut area (whether it starts with 860 or 959), you must always dial the 10-digit number:
| Calling Scenario | Required Dialing Format | Example |
| Local Call (Within 860/959) | 959 – XXX – XXXX or 860 – XXX – XXXX | Dialing a 959 number from an 860 line requires 10 digits. |
| Call from Outside CT | 1 – 959 – XXX – XXXX | Standard long-distance format. |
-
Safety: Is Area Code 959 Scam Prone?
The 959 area code is legitimate and serves thousands of businesses and residents. However, like any newer area code, it has become a target for scammers using a technique called “neighborhood spoofing.”
- The Scam: Scammers use technology to disguise their calls with a familiar 959 or 860 prefix, hoping you will answer a call that appears to be local. Many residents in Connecticut have reported receiving spam calls from both 860 and 959 numbers.
- Safety Advice: If you receive an unexpected call from an unknown 959 number, especially one demanding personal information or immediate payment (like the IRS or extended car warranty scams), do not answer. Let the call go to voicemail and use your mobile carrier’s spam protection tools (like T-Mobile Scam Shield or Verizon Call Filter) to block future unsolicited calls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the other area code that serves this region?
The 959 area code overlays the 860 area code. Both codes serve the same territory, primarily Central and Eastern Connecticut.
What are the other area codes in Connecticut?
The state of Connecticut is divided into two overlay regions:
- Southwest CT: 203 and 475 (serving cities like New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford).
- Central/Eastern CT: 860 and 959 (serving Hartford, New London, and Norwich).
Why was the 959 area code created?
The 959 area code was created as an overlay because the original 860 area code was nearing exhaustion due to the rapidly growing number of mobile phones, fax machines, and VoIP lines being activated across the region.
