Connecticut 860 / 959 Area Code Overlay FAQs

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code. In this instance, the 959 area code is being added to the region served by the 860 area code.

With this overlay, you won’t have to change your existing area code or phone number.  You’ll simply continue to dial the area code + the 7-digit phone number for all calls. See the map below of the 860 / 959 overlay area.

Anyone who has a phone number with an 860 area code should be aware that the new 959 area code will cover the same geographic area as the 860 area code. The 860 area code generally covers the northern and eastern portions of the state, including the following communities:

• Bristol
• East Hartford
• Enfield
• Hartford
• Manchester
• Middletown
• New Britain
• Norwich
• Southington
• Storrs
• Torrington
• West Hartford

Beginning 8/30/14, new phone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 959 area code.

If you have a 959 area code, you must dial the area code + 7-digit phone number on all calls or the call won’t be completed.

If you have an 860 area code, you’ll simply continue to dial the area code + phone number on all calls.

The 959 area code is being added to the area served by the 860 area code to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers. Because more than one area code serves the same geographic region, the area code + phone number must be used when dialing any phone number, including calls within the same area code.

No, you’ll continue dialing the area code for all calls.

Your current area code + phone number won’t change. The price of a call, your plan and coverage area, and other rates and services also won’t change because of the overlay. All local calls will remain local.

In addition to continuing to dial the area code + phone number for all calls, you should also complete the following items:

• Continue to identify your phone number as a 10-digit number (area code + 7-digit phone number), and include the area code when giving your number to friends, family, business associates and customers. 
  
  
• Ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 959 area code as a valid area code. Some examples include:
  
  
• Life safety systems
• Fire or burglar alarm and security systems
  
• Security gates
• Speed dialers
• Call Forwarding settings
  
• Fax machines
• Internet dial-up numbers
• Voice Mail services and similar functions
  
  
• Double-check your websites, business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information and your ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

You’ll continue to dial the area code + phone number for all calls. The following items won’t change:

• Your phone number, including current area code
  
  
• The price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services
  
  
• Local calls - Calls that are considered local now will remain local calls
  
  
• 911 calls – Only require 3 digits
  
  
• Other 3-digit numbers - If available, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 still only require 3 digits

Because two area codes (860 and 959) will serve the same geographic area, you’ll need to dial the area code + phone number for all calls.

If you have an 860 area code, just continue to dial the area code + phone number for all calls.

If you have any questions about the Connecticut 860 / 959 area code overlay, please contact us at (800) 922-0204.