Businesses may need changes for new 657 area code

February 22nd, 2008, 5:00 am · 1 Comment · posted by Jan Norman, small-business columnist

Tomorrow - Feb. 23 - is the day we 714 denizens must start practicing dialing 1 + area code + phone number even if we’re trying to reach the guy next door. That’s because soon new numbers in the area will get a 657 area code.

You don’t really have to remember until Aug. 23, but small-business owners should not put off thinking about this change, according to the California Public Utilities Commission.

Business owners don’t just have to change their dialing habits. You may have to reprogram all automatic dialing equipment and other types of equipment that are currently set to dial a 7-digit number.

Like what? Your fax machines, life safety systems, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings and voicemail services.

Not only that, you may need to get new business stationery, advertising materials and business cards if the current versions don’t have your telephone area code.

Save this number: Starting June 23, you will be able to check whether your equipment works correctly by dialing 1-657-222-0222.

Your business phone number won’t change. Neither will three-digit numbers such as 911 for emergencies or 411 for information. Click here for more information about area code changes.

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