Where is Area Code 661?
Area code 661 serves a broad region in California, encompassing parts of Southern and Central California. It primarily covers areas in:
• Kern County, including Bakersfield and surrounding communities
• Northern Los Angeles County, such as Lancaster and Palmdale
• Portions of Santa Clarita and its neighboring cities
Several rural towns and outlying communities within these counties are also included in the 661 coverage zone. This area code supports both residential lines and business services, offering telecommunication options to a diverse population. For information on official regulations governing area code assignments, please refer to the
California Public Utilities Commission, located at 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102, which oversees service areas, ensures reliable access, and mediates any boundary or regulatory issues.
What time zone is 661 area code in the USA?
The 661 area code falls within the Pacific Time Zone (PT). During Pacific Standard Time (PST), the local time is eight hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-8). From mid-March to early November, Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) is in effect (UTC-7), in accordance with nationwide Daylight Saving regulations. This observance is guided by both federal and state guidelines, with oversight from the
Federal Communications Commission, situated at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
In summary, callers within the 661 region adhere to:
• Pacific Standard Time from early November to mid-March
• Pacific Daylight Time from mid-March to early November
History of the 661 Area Code
The 661 area code was officially created in 1999, following a split from the 805 area code to accommodate the region’s rapid population and economic growth. The split was deemed necessary to ensure an adequate supply of phone numbers for residents and businesses. Since its inception, 661 has remained a standalone area code serving its regions without further splits or overlays.
Throughout the process of establishing and adjusting area code boundaries, the
California Public Utilities Commission provided regulatory guidance and public notices. This measure was initiated in response to increased demand for telecommunications services, resulting in a well-defined geographic service territory that continues to serve as a major hub for both urban and rural consumers.
How Many People Use the 661 Area Code?
The 661 area code encompasses a considerable population in Southern and Central California. Projections from local government agencies estimate that millions of people reside within this code’s coverage area. Additionally, businesses and public services rely extensively on 661 numbers.
Below is a general estimate of population coverage in key communities within 661:
City Name | Approximate Population |
---|---|
Bakersfield | 400,000+ |
Santa Clarita | 225,000+ |
Palmdale | 155,000+ |
Lancaster | 170,000+ |
Outlying Areas | 200,000+ (combined) |
These figures fluctuate over time as populations shift and further growth requires additional allocations of numbers. Specific statistics may be obtained by contacting the
505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102 branch of the California Public Utilities Commission or by consulting with local city administrative offices.
Is the 661 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 661 area code is geographically assigned rather than toll-free. Calls within this area code or between this area code and other parts of California may incur standard local or long-distance charges, depending on the service provider’s billing policies. Unlike toll-free prefixes such as 800, 888, or 877, calls to 661 numbers are not universally free for the caller.
Users are advised to consult their carrier’s terms and conditions for any specific rate structures or additional charges. For further details on how toll-free numbers operate and the responsibilities of telecommunication carriers,
visit the Federal Communications Commission website, administered from 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554. The FCC offers guidance on number portability, consumer rights, and regulations that oversee both local numbers and nationwide toll-free prefixes.