West Hartford will soon have two area codes, while the state of Connecticut will have a total of four.

By Joy Taylor

Area code map of Connecticut shows West Hartford will get another area code.

Those of us who grew up in West Hartford, (long before the “We-Ha” nickname was even a thought), were accustomed to 203 phone numbers.

Then, in 1995, along came 860 for us and most of the state. The 203 was reserved for the southwest part of Connecticut, which also gained the 475 area code in 2009.

Then, in November 2009, we had to remember to include the 860 part of our phone number when giving it out.

This 10-digit dialing practice was implemented in preparation for yet another area code for our small state: Coming soon “959.”

Regarding this new area code, you may have read the news, or perhaps you recently received a text message alert, reminding us that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) announced that a new area code – 959 – is expected to go into effect in our area on August 30, (which is actually three years later than originally anticipated). It will be assigned to new lines in the 860 region of Connecticut.

If you have an “860” phone number now, it will not change. PURA calls this new area code an “overlay” to our area. Importantly, prices for calls and coverage areas will not change due to the the overlay. There just aren’t enough phone numbers to fill the demand.

Massachusetts now has 9 area codes, while New York has 15 and Rhode Island is holding out with just one (401). Rhode Island’s 401 is one of the original 86 North American area codes, which were created in 1947. Despite the popularity of cell phones and pagers, 401 is not projected to be exhausted until 2033.

Customers should contact their respective carriers with questions about the new area code, and can check PURA’s website for periodic updates.