The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has announced that starting July 22, a new area code, 341, will begin service to the same East Bay region as 510. The main thing to note is that beginning a month earlier, on June 22, you’ll be required to dial 1 plus 510 whenever you make a local call — even if you’re calling from one 510 number to another.

Here are some answers to common questions about how this change may affect you.

What is changing and when?

Beginning on July 22, 2019, consumers requesting new or additional telephone numbers in the current 510 area code may be assigned telephone numbers with a 510 or 341 area code. A month before this change takes place, you’ll need to begin all calls — local and long-distance — with the number 1 plus the area code. (When dialing from a UCOP office phone, you’ll still need to dial the access code 9 first.)

What areas are covered by the 510 (and soon 341) area code?

The service area is the western portions of Alameda and Contra Costa counties — the cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Crockett, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Hercules, Kensington, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pinole, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Pablo and Union City. 

If I have a 510 number, will it change?

No. The 341 area code will be added as an overlay to the 510 region to ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers for the area, but existing 510 numbers will remain the same.

Will I need to dial an area code for three-digit emergency and access lines?

Nope, you can still dial three digits for emergency and access lines such as 911, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811.

 How can I prepare for the June 22 change?

• Begin dialing all local calls with the number 1 plus the area code now to build the habit.
• Reprogram any equipment that currently uses 7-digit dialing to include the full number — automatic dialers, life safety systems, medical monitoring devices, speed-dialing, call forwarding, voicemail, alarm and security systems, etc.
• Update print materials that don’t currently include an area code — stationery, checks, business cards, advertisements and promotional materials, websites, personal and pet ID tags, etc.
• Test telephone equipment, like fax machines, to ensure it supports longer numbers. If changes are needed, contact your vendor.
• Let your friends and family members know about the change.

How can I remember the numbers 341?

Here are five fun facts about the numbers 341 to help you excel at your next trivia game:

1. A meeting of creditors, as mandated by Section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code, is commonly known as a 341 Meeting.
2. Year 341 AD of the Julian Calendar (CCCXLI) was the Year of the Consulship of Marcellinus and Probinus.
3. The U.S. Air Force 341^st Missile Wing is based at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. It’s a unit charged with maintaining and operating Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles.
4. S. Route 341 is a 224-mile-long highway in the state of Georgia.
5. The number 341 is the smallest pseudoprime in the binary numeral system (101010101).

I have questions. Is there someone I can contact?

Yes, please reach out to Telecommunications Manager Randy Kemish.

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