Posted by Nayeli, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Oct 20, 2012 at 9:15 am

I still don't understand the need for this. If your number is "tied" to your area code, then it shouldn't make a difference whether or not you include an area code.

However, it seems that many people might inadvertently dial a "long distance" number that they don't know is long distance (because it is nearby and under the same area code).

The phone companies will be happy about this extra source of "inadvertent" income.

Posted by tin foil hat, a resident of the Adobe-Meadows neighborhood, on Oct 21, 2012 at 9:06 am

prep for a new area code, 669, in November, iirc

same thing happened here a few decades ago, when 650 split off from 415

any one who doesn't use full area codes when they enter numbers in their cell is foolish, it won't function from another area code when u travel

or maybe its a vast liberal conspiracy

your choice.

Posted by Crescent Park Dad, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Oct 22, 2012 at 6:06 am

The difference this time is that the new 669 area code is an overlay in the 408 area code. Whereas before the 650 code breakout was a discrete geographical split.

Posted by Resident, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Oct 22, 2012 at 7:33 am

Can't see why people are complaining. It would have been a much worse scenario if it had been a geographic split and half the area had to change their area code. Changing phone numbers is much harder as not only do people have to inform all contacts, but printing of all stationary, business cards, makes it an expensive change.

Posted by mo tin foil, a resident of another community, on Oct 22, 2012 at 4:37 pm

yo, Nay Nay, now that some peeps have looked up the 411 for you, you think it's still a phone co vast conspiracy to get you on prices?

or yo just still "inadvertent"

thx to da peeps for the info

Posted by Jan H., a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on Oct 22, 2012 at 7:08 pm

It isn't a big deal. I have been through it twice, once in the East Bay and once here. Neither time did any extra charges apply. It was explained then that it was simply a case of too many people and not enough numbers.

Posted by No change, a resident of Stanford, on Oct 23, 2012 at 11:43 am

This is different Jan. Previously area codes were split by defined region--this an overlay. Even if you have a 408 code and wantto dial another 408 number you will have to dial the 11 digits, for example