Frequently Asked Questions
Area code 916 primarily covers Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, and Folsom. It also partially covers Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln in Placer County. Beyond these cities, 916 serves many smaller towns and communities within the greater Sacramento metropolitan area.
Due to the 279 overlay, you must dial 1 + the 10-digit number for all calls within 916, even local ones. This change ensures calls connect correctly since two area codes serve the same region.
The 279 area code was implemented as an overlay to 916 in 2018. Overlays add a new area code to the same geographic area to accommodate increased demand for phone numbers due to population growth and the proliferation of devices.
Area code 916 was one of California's original area codes, established in 1947 along with 213 and 415. Originally covering a much larger area, it has been split and overlaid over time to accommodate growth.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates 916, overseeing fair practices and consumer protection. The CPUC manages area code changes and addresses consumer complaints related to telecommunications services.
Sacramento is primarily served by area code 916. However, due to the 2018 overlay, area code 279 also serves the same geographic region. Therefore, both 916 and 279 are used within Sacramento.
Dial 1 + the 10-digit phone number (area code + 7-digit number). The '1' prefix is necessary for long-distance calls to any area code, including 916.
Ensure all your contacts within the 916/279 area have the full 10-digit number, including the area code. This practice is crucial for successful dialing due to the overlay.
No, 7-digit dialing is no longer possible for local calls within the 916 area code. The 279 overlay requires 10-digit dialing for all calls, both local and long-distance, to connect correctly.
The NANP is a unified numbering system for telephone calls within the United States, Canada, and 20 other Caribbean territories. It allocates area codes and manages numbering resources to ensure calls are routed efficiently across different regions.
Major providers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (which now includes Sprint) offer services in the 916 area code. They provide various plans and services for wireless, landline, internet, and fiber optic connections.
10-digit dialing is mandatory because of the 279 area code overlay. Both 916 and 279 serve the same geographic region, so dialing the full 10-digit number ensures calls are routed to the correct recipient.
Area code 530 was split from 916 in 1997 to accommodate the increasing demand for phone numbers in northeastern California. This split significantly reduced the geographic area covered by 916.
Exploring Area Code 916: Coverage and Key Information
Area code 916 serves Sacramento, California and the surrounding metropolitan area as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). This comprehensive guide covers where 916 is located, its geographic coverage map, regulatory oversight, historical evolution, dialing procedures, telecommunications providers, and future developments. Whether you're asking "where is area code 916?" or need to understand calls from this region, you'll gain complete knowledge of how this area code functions.
Where Is Area Code 916? Geographic Coverage and Map
Area code 916 covers the Sacramento metropolitan area and extends into surrounding counties. Centered at approximately 38°36′N 121°30′W, it serves over 2.5 million people across six counties: Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Solano, and Sutter (CPUC 916/279 Area Code).
Key cities and communities within its coverage include:
The area code serves numerous smaller towns and communities beyond major cities, creating a complex network of interconnected users.
Verifying Coverage: Verify whether a specific address falls within 916/279 coverage using the CPUC's official coverage map (PDF) or online area code lookup tools such as allareacodes.com.
Regulatory Oversight and Dialing Formats
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates area code 916 and ensures fair practices and consumer protection within the telecommunications industry. The CPUC manages area code changes, approves new area codes, and addresses consumer complaints related to telecommunications services.
Filing Complaints: File a complaint with the CPUC through their online complaint system or call their Consumer Affairs Branch at 1-800-649-7570 if you experience issues with your telecommunications provider (CPUC File a Complaint).
The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) oversees the overall numbering plan, coordinating area code assignments and managing NANP resources.
The standard dialing formats for 916 are as follows:
Dialing Examples:
History of Area Code 916: From 1947 to Today
Established in October 1947, area code 916 became one of California's original three area codes, alongside 213 and 415. Initially, 916 covered the far northern portion of the state. In 1950, California realigned its area codes and redrew 916 to cover the northeastern corner.
Timeline of Changes:
10-Digit Dialing Transition: Mandatory 10-digit dialing took effect on February 10, 2018. During the transition period (February 10 – March 10, 2018), 7-digit calls still completed but included reminders to switch to 10-digit dialing. After March 10, 2018, all calls required the full 1 + area code + 7-digit format.
Number Assignment: When you order new telephone lines or services in the 916/279 area, carriers may assign numbers from either pool. The specific area code depends on availability within your local central office (exchange). Both area codes serve the identical geographic region, and carriers manage assignment under NANPA guidelines. You typically cannot choose which area code you receive for new service.
Telecommunications Providers Serving Area Code 916
Several major telecommunications providers offer services within the 916 area code:
VoIP and Local Providers: Numerous VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers also serve the 916 area:
These providers offer plans and services ranging from basic residential service to complex business solutions. When choosing a provider, consider coverage, pricing, data limits, and customer service.
Number Porting: Keep your existing 916 or 279 phone number when switching providers through Local Number Portability (LNP). Contact your new provider to initiate porting; they will coordinate the transfer with your current carrier. The process typically takes 7–10 business days for landlines and 1–2 days for wireless numbers.
Future Changes and Considerations
Area code 916 may experience further changes due to ongoing demand for new telephone numbers. While no immediate changes are planned, the CPUC continually monitors phone number availability and may implement additional overlays or splits as needed.
Number Exhaustion Status: NANPA's most recent exhaust analysis shows no near-term exhaustion projected for the 916/279 overlay. The CPUC and NANPA publish regular reports on number utilization and provide public notice well in advance of any required changes.
Staying Informed: Monitor potential changes through:
Best Practices and Troubleshooting: Understanding Calls from 916
Follow these best practices to ensure smooth communication within the 916 area code:
Scam Verification and Reporting:
Common Dialing Errors and Solutions:
Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 916
What city is area code 916? Area code 916 primarily serves Sacramento, California's state capital, along with surrounding cities including Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Roseville, and Arden-Arcade across six counties.
Where is the 916 area code located? The 916 area code is located in Northern California, covering the greater Sacramento metropolitan area including Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Solano, and Sutter counties.
Is 916 a California area code? Yes, 916 is one of California's original area codes established in 1947, serving the Sacramento region.
What time zone is area code 916? Area code 916 operates in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), which is UTC-8 during standard time and UTC-7 during daylight saving time.
Conclusion
Area code 916 forms a vital part of California's telecommunications infrastructure, serving Sacramento and a diverse, growing population of over 2.5 million people. Understanding where 916 is located, its coverage map, regulations, and dialing procedures helps you navigate your communication needs effectively. Whether you're receiving calls from 916, moving to the Sacramento area, or doing business in the region, this guide equips you with comprehensive knowledge to stay connected.