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Hang on to your area code. We're running out of 323
In L.A., your area code says more about your identity than you probably want it to.
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Photo by splityarn via Flickr Creative Commons
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The FCC on Thursday agreed that Verizon, AT&T and other telecommunication carriers don't have to connect "robocalls" if a consumer doesn't want them.
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File photo by Dave Bradley Photography/Getty Images
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First it was 310. Then 818. And now 323? Yep, the California Public Utilities Commission says we're running out of 323 area codes, and it'll start distributing 213 instead next year.
In L.A., your area code says more about your identity than you probably want it to. That's why we're asking Angelenos to tell us about the significance of their phone number. (You can share your thoughts here.)
Here's the backstory on the 213 prefix: It's actually old-school. It's one of state's first three area codes (introduced in 1947!). It currently serves mostly downtown L.A. but will be added to the 323 geography by November 2017.
The 323 area code, on the other hand, was introduced in the late '90s. It serves L.A., as well as neighboring cities and unincorporated portions of L.A. County from Bell to Beverly Hills. You can read about its history here.
Area codes are so precious to Angelenos that the CPUC is hosting six community meetings this week to explain the transition and hear concerns (see details below). All available 323 prefixes are expected to run out by March 2018.
South Gate
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
10:00 a.m.
South Gate City Council Chambers
8650 California Avenue
South Gate, CA 90280
Los Angeles
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
2:00 p.m.
Junipero Serra State Building
Carmel Room, 1st Floor
320 W. 4th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Los Angeles
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
10:00 a.m.
Junipero Serra State Building
Carmel Room, 1st Floor
320 W. 4th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
South Pasadena
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
2:00 p.m.
South Pasadena City Council Chambers
1414 Mission Street
South Pasadena, CA 91030
South Pasadena
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
7:00 p.m.
South Pasadena Public Library
1115 El Centro Street
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Los Angeles
Thursday, September 10, 2015
2:00 p.m.
Memorial Branch Library
4625 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
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