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Effective Sunday, Oct. 24, all phone calls on the Peninsula– even local ones — will require the three-digit area code, the FCC announced. The 650 area code is one of 82 across the country making the switch.
In California, you may also need to dial 1 before the area code, according to the FCC.
The rollout of a new three-digit number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is the reason behind the change. Last year, the FCC established 988 as the nationwide three-digit phone number for the service which will be available nationwide by July 16, 2022. It “will provide an easy to remember and easy to dial three-digit number to reach suicide prevention and mental health counselors, similar to 911 for emergencies and 311 for local government services,” the FCC said in a statement.
Callers needing help are advised to continue using the old number, 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) during the transition period.
According to the FCC, on and after Oct. 24, local calls dialed with only seven digits may not connect, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. If that happens, hang up and dial again using the area code and the seven-digit number.
A full list of affected area codes is online here.