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# Area code splits
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/area-code-splits/
- Published: 2005-04-26T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T06:47:19.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Business, Santa Monica, #archive-import

■ Splits provide a single area code for each geographic area. ■ Splits require an area code change for approximately one-half of the consumers in a two-way split. Consumers may have a different area code for their residence telephone numbers compared to their cell phone or business telephone numbers. This depends on the rate center associated with the prefix or exchange of the telephone number. ■ Splits permit seven-digit dialing within an area code. ■ Consumers receiving the new area code will need to change stationary, business cards, advertising, etc. They will also need to notify people of the new area code, if needed. Manual or over-the-air reprogramming of cell phones may be needed. ■ Future splits will reduce the geographic size of the area code. Area code overlays ■ With an overlay, there will be more than one area code in a geographic area. ■ An overlay will not require consumers with existing telephone numbers to change their area code. Consumers who want new telephone numbers may have to accept telephone numbers with a new area code. Some consumers might be assigned a different area code for new telephone numbers within the same residence or business where multiple telephone numbers already exist. ■ An overlay requires consumers to dial 11 digits. For example, 1 + area code + seven digit number, for all calls. ■ There is no need to revise stationary, business cards, and advertising for business owners with existing telephone numbers. Consumers, especially security alarm companies, apartment complexes, and gated communities, will need to ensure their telecommunications equipment will be able to handle 11 digit dialing. ■ Overlays will likely end further shrinking of the geographic size of the area code because subsequent relief will probably be another overlay.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 26, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/042605.pdf?ref=smdp.com)