California is getting a new area code which will cover a huge part of state

The CPUC emphasizes that the introduction of the 357 area code will not affect the cost of calls or change current telephone numbers.Photo byMike MeyersonUnsplash

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is reminding residents in central California to prepare for the introduction of a new area code, 357, which will be added as an overlay to the existing 559 area code starting March 26, 2025. The 559 area code covers Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Tulare, and Kings counties, serving communities like Fresno, Visalia, and Clovis. The new 357 area code will serve the same geographic region.

To accommodate the new area code, a new dialing procedure will be required. Starting August 26, 2024, residents should begin dialing 1 + area code + telephone number for all calls from landlines, and can either dial area code + telephone number or 1 + area code + telephone number from mobile phones. From February 26, 2025, this procedure will be mandatory for all calls, even local ones.

The CPUC emphasizes that the introduction of the 357 area code will not affect the cost of calls or change current telephone numbers. Emergency numbers like 911 and other three-digit services will remain unaffected by the overlay.