Introduction: What is Area Code 661?

Area Code 661 is a North American telephone area code in California, USA. It primarily serves the city of Bakersfield and extends to other parts of Kern County and northern Los Angeles County. Established in 1999, it was created as a split from area code 805 to cater to the growing demand for new phone numbers.

Geographic Coverage of Area Code 661

Area Code 661 covers a diverse region in Southern California. Here are some of the key areas included:

• Bakersfield: The largest city in the area, known for its oil production and agriculture.
• Santa Clarita: A suburban city located in the northern part of Los Angeles County.
• Palmdale and Lancaster: Cities in the Antelope Valley, known for their aerospace industry.

The area code also serves several smaller communities and rural areas, providing essential connectivity across a broad geographic region.

Regulatory Information

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees the allocation and management of area codes in California. Area Code 661 operates under standard dialing procedures:

• Local Calls: Dial 7 digits (e.g., 123-4567).
• Toll Calls: Dial 1 + area code + 7 digits (e.g., 1-661-123-4567).
• Operator-Assisted Calls: Dial 0 + area code + 7 digits.

For more detailed information, you can visit the California Public Utilities Commission website.

Telecommunications and Services

Area Code 661 is serviced by multiple telecommunications providers, offering a range of services from landlines to mobile networks. Users can choose from major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, as well as local service providers.

Number Availability

With the increasing demand for new numbers due to population growth and technological advancements, number availability in Area Code 661 is managed carefully. The introduction of new technologies, such as VoIP and mobile services, continues to influence number allocation strategies.

FAQs About Area Code 661

What cities are included in Area Code 661?

Area Code 661 includes Bakersfield, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and several smaller communities across Kern and northern Los Angeles Counties.

When was Area Code 661 established?

Area Code 661 was established in 1999 as a split from area code 805 to address the growing need for additional telephone numbers.

How do I dial a number within Area Code 661?

For local calls, dial the 7-digit phone number. For toll calls, dial 1 + 661 + the 7-digit phone number.

Are there any future plans to change Area Code 661?

Currently, there are no announced plans to change Area Code 661. However, as demand grows, the CPUC may consider implementing overlay plans or additional splits.

What is the time zone of Area Code 661?

Area Code 661 is located in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), observing daylight saving time.

Conclusion

Area Code 661 plays a crucial role in connecting communities across Southern California. Whether you're a resident or a business owner, understanding the scope and services of this area code can help you navigate the telecommunications landscape effectively. For more information, visit the California Public Utilities Commission.

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For related articles, explore our Telecommunications Resources section.