Frequently Asked Questions
Area code 650 covers several cities on the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Belmont, Daly City, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Mateo, and South San Francisco. This area is a major hub for technology and innovation in the San Francisco Bay Area.
To dial a 650 number, dial 1 + 650 + the 7-digit phone number. 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls, including local calls within the same area code, due to the implementation of the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Area code 650 was created in 1997 due to the rapid growth of Silicon Valley and the subsequent increased demand for phone numbers. It was split from the existing 415 area code to provide additional numbering capacity for the region.
The area code for Palo Alto, California, is 650. This area code also covers other nearby cities like Mountain View (Google's headquarters) and Menlo Park (Facebook's headquarters).
Area code 650 is located on the San Francisco Peninsula in California, covering most of San Mateo County and parts of San Francisco and Santa Clara County. It's a major hub for the technology industry.
10-digit dialing became mandatory for area code 650 (and other area codes) in October 2021. This change was implemented nationwide by the FCC to accommodate the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Dial your country's exit code, followed by 1, then 650, and finally the 7-digit phone number. Remember that the 1 is the country code for the United States and is necessary for all international calls.
The CPUC oversees telecommunications services within California, including the 650 area code. They manage number allocation, ensure service quality, handle consumer complaints, and promote fair competition among telecommunications providers.
Area code 650 overlays a significant economic region in California, home to many technology giants, startups, and venture capital firms. These businesses contribute substantially to the state and national economy through innovation, job creation, and investment.
Major telecommunication carriers serving the 650 area code include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (which now includes Sprint). These carriers offer a wide array of services for both individual and business customers.
Area code 650 primarily covers San Mateo County. It also extends to portions of San Francisco and the northwestern part of Santa Clara County.
Area Code 650: Cities, Coverage, and More
Area Code 650 is a California telephone area code serving the San Francisco Peninsula, including Silicon Valley's tech hub in San Mateo County. Created on August 2, 1997 from a split of Area Code 415, the 650 area code covers 22 major cities including Palo Alto, Mountain View, Redwood City, and Menlo Park—serving over 5.2 million people. This complete guide covers what cities are in area code 650, geographic coverage maps, time zones, dialing instructions, and how to get a 650 phone number.
What Cities and Geographic Area Does Area Code 650 Cover?
The 650 area code covers 22 cities and towns across San Mateo County (primary coverage area), northern Santa Clara County, and parts of San Francisco and Alameda counties—serving over 5.2 million people in California's San Francisco Bay Area. If you're wondering "what cities are in area code 650" or "where is area code 650 located," this section provides a complete list.
Key cities and towns (per Wikipedia and San Mateo County):
Important: Area Code 650 has no overlay area code. The California Public Utilities Commission approved an overlay in 1999 but suspended the plan in Decision 99-12-051 (December 1999) and never implemented it. This means 650 is the only area code for these regions.
Area Code 650 Location Details: Time Zone, Population & Coverage
Core telecommunications details for Area Code 650:
Who Regulates Area Code 650?
Two regulatory bodies oversee Area Code 650:
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) – Oversees telecommunications services within California, including number allocation, service quality, and consumer complaints. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Sets national telecommunications policies and regulations. Visit www.fcc.gov.
How to File a Complaint
File complaints with the CPUC if you experience telecommunications service issues:
When Was Area Code 650 Created and Why?
Area Code 650 was created on August 2, 1997, when it split from Area Code 415 to accommodate Silicon Valley's explosive growth. Tech companies and startups overwhelmed Area Code 415's capacity in San Mateo County and the Peninsula.
Following the split, Area Code 415 continued serving San Francisco and Marin County, while 650 served most of San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County.
Transition Period: A six-month permissive dialing period ran from August 2, 1997, through February 1, 1998. During this time, both 415 and 650 worked for affected numbers. After February 1, 1998, only 650 was valid for Peninsula numbers.
The CPUC's 650 Area Code Report documents this demand and highlights the challenges of managing this finite resource.
Area Code 650 Map: View Coverage Areas
To see where area code 650 is located on a map, view these interactive coverage maps showing the 650 area code boundaries:
These maps help businesses and individuals understand the area code's geographic reach across San Mateo County and surrounding Bay Area communities.
What Is the Economic Impact of Area Code 650?
Area Code 650 covers a region of immense economic significance. Home to tech giants, startups, and venture capital firms, it contributes significantly to California's and the nation's economy.
Major Companies Headquartered in Area Code 650:
Economic Indicators:
The tech company concentration creates a highly competitive business environment, attracting global talent and investment. This economic vibrancy also drives rising housing costs and resource competition.
How to Get a 650 Area Code Phone Number: Carriers & VoIP Providers
Looking to get a 650 area code phone number for your business? Multiple telecommunications carriers and VoIP providers offer 650 phone numbers:
Traditional Carriers:
VoIP and Business Providers:
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs):
Research and compare carriers to find the best fit for your requirements. Many businesses choose a 650 area code to establish local presence in Silicon Valley, even if they're not physically located in the area.
How Do You Dial Area Code 650 Numbers?
Dial Area Code 650 using the 10-digit format:
Within the United States:
International Calls to Area Code 650:
Common Dialing Scenarios:
Troubleshooting Common Dialing Errors
FAQs about Area Code 650
Q: What cities are in area code 650?
A: The 650 area code covers 22 major cities in San Mateo County and Silicon Valley, California, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, Redwood City, Menlo Park, San Mateo, Daly City, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Burlingame, Millbrae, San Carlos, Belmont, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Pacifica, Hillsborough, Woodside, Portola Valley, Colma, Los Altos, Atherton, and East Palo Alto. These cities represent the heart of Silicon Valley's technological and economic growth.
Q: When was area code 650 created?
A: The 650 area code was created on August 2, 1997, when it split from the original 415 area code to accommodate increasing phone number demand in rapidly expanding Silicon Valley and San Mateo County, California. A six-month transition period allowed permissive dialing until February 1, 1998.
Q: How do I dial a 650 area code phone number?
A: To call a 650 area code number, always dial 1 + 650 + the 7-digit phone number for local or toll calls within the United States. For international calls to 650 numbers, dial your country's exit code followed by 1 + 650 + the 7-digit number. Ten-digit dialing has been mandatory since October 24, 2021.
Q: Why is 10-digit dialing required?
A: 10-digit dialing became mandatory October 24, 2021, to facilitate nationwide implementation of 988 as the three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. The transition period began April 24, 2021, and the 988 hotline officially launched July 16, 2022. The FCC mandated this change to prevent conflicts with existing 7-digit dialing patterns.
Q: Does the 650 area code have an overlay?
A: No. The 650 area code has no overlay area code. While the California Public Utilities Commission approved an overlay in 1999, it suspended the plan in Decision 99-12-051 (December 1999) and never implemented it. This means 650 is the only area code serving San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley Peninsula.
Q: Is the 650 area code a desirable area?
A: Yes, the 650 area code is highly desirable as it covers Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Peninsula—one of the most economically vital regions in the United States. The 650 area code location serves over 5.2 million people and hosts headquarters for major tech companies including Meta (Facebook), Google, YouTube, Oracle, Visa, and Electronic Arts. Businesses often seek 650 phone numbers to establish credibility and local presence in this prestigious tech hub.
Q: How can I obtain a 650 area code phone number for my business?
A: You can obtain a 650 area code number through several methods:
Check availability, as desirable 650 numbers in high-demand areas may be limited.
Q: Can I keep my 650 number if I move to a different area code?
A: Yes. Under FCC number portability rules, you can typically keep your 650 number when moving, with some limitations:
Contact your carrier about specific portability policies and associated fees.
Q: How does Area Code 650 compare to neighboring area codes?
A: Area Code 650 neighbors several Bay Area codes:
Each area code represents distinct Bay Area regions with unique economic characteristics, though Area Code 650's Silicon Valley location gives it special significance in the technology industry.
Related Resources
Additional resources:
Conclusion
Area Code 650 represents more than just phone numbers—it signifies Silicon Valley's dynamic tech hub on the San Francisco Peninsula. Whether you're searching for "what cities are in area code 650," need to know the 650 area code time zone, want to get a 650 phone number for your business, or simply need to understand the area code 650 location and map, this complete guide provides everything you need to navigate telecommunications in San Mateo County and California's Bay Area.