959: All About Connecticut's Newest Area Code

Connecticut residents are likely familiar with the 860 area code, but what about 959? Introduced in 2014, 959 is an overlay area code serving the same region as 860. This means that both area codes cover the same geographic area, requiring callers to dial 10 digits (the area code plus the 7-digit phone number) for all calls¹. This applies even when making local calls within the same area code³.

Why Was 959 Introduced?

The demand for phone numbers in Connecticut was steadily increasing due to population growth and the rising use of various communication devices, such as cell phones and fax machines. As a result, the available numbers within the 860 area code were dwindling⁴. This situation wasn't unique to Connecticut; in 2014, several regions across the United States faced similar challenges and introduced new area codes to accommodate the growing need for phone numbers⁶. To address this issue, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved the 959 overlay, a solution that allowed existing 860 customers to keep their current phone numbers while creating a new set of numbers for new customers and services⁷.

Where is 959 Located?

The 959 area code covers a significant portion of northeastern Connecticut, encompassing a diverse range of cities and towns. Here are some of the major areas served by the 959 area code: ¹

In addition to these major cities and towns, the 959 area code also covers many smaller towns and villages throughout Hartford, New London, Litchfield, Tolland, Middlesex, and Windham counties⁴.

History of the 860 Area Code

Before the introduction of the 959 area code, the 860 area code served the entire state of Connecticut. It was introduced in 1995 as a split from the original 203 area code, which had served the entire state since 1947⁸. The split was necessary due to the increasing demand for phone numbers, particularly in the Hartford and Manchester areas¹⁰. The 860 area code was assigned to the northern and western parts of Connecticut, while the 203 area code continued to serve the southwestern region¹¹.

Interesting Facts about the 959 Area Code

• Hartford, the major city served by the 959 area code, is known as the "Insurance Capital of the World." ¹²
• The 959 area code was initially proposed in 1999 but was delayed for over a decade due to number conservation measures¹.
• Despite the official start date of August 30, 2014, the first 959 numbers were not assigned until December 2015¹.

How Has 959 Changed Over Time?

Since its implementation, the 959 area code has not undergone any significant changes. It continues to serve as an overlay to the 860 area code, providing additional phone numbers to meet the region's growing needs². The introduction of 959 has had minimal impact on most customers, as existing phone numbers and local calling areas remained the same¹⁵. This ensured a smooth transition for residents and businesses already using the 860 area code⁷.

Advantages and Disadvantages of 959

The primary advantage of the 959 area code is that it provides a larger pool of available phone numbers, which is essential for supporting the region's growth and development¹⁶. This has been particularly beneficial for businesses that require new lines for employees, customer service, or different departments⁶. The increased availability of phone numbers has also supported business expansion and job growth in the Hartford area¹⁴.

However, the 959 overlay also introduced the requirement for 10-digit dialing, even for local calls¹⁷. While this change may seem minor, it can be inconvenient for some users and may require adjustments to automated dialing systems⁵. Additionally, some automated systems, such as fax machines and alarm systems, may require reprogramming to recognize the new area code¹⁷.

Another key advantage of the 959 area code is that businesses can use a 959 number to establish a local presence even if they are not physically located in Connecticut⁶. This can be a significant benefit for businesses looking to expand their reach and connect with customers in the region without the expense of setting up a physical office.