The Westside area code rebellion started in early 1999, when regulators introduced 424 as the state’s first “overlay” area code, a method that involves two area codes serving the same ...

A few months later, the PUC scuttled the overlay idea. Until recently, the phone industry was pushing for a 310 split, with the South Bay getting the 424 area code and the Westside keeping 310.

Under the state's first new area code overlay, virtually all new phone numbers within the 310 territory will be assigned the new 424 area code, starting in August 2006; existing numbers will ...

Beginning July 26, all calls made within the 310 territory must include the area code with the number. That means automatic dialers must be reprogrammed and many businesses aren't prepared.

The 310 region — which mostly covers west L.A. and the South Bay — was overlaid with a 424 area code, so she had to make sure to start dialing her friends with their full numbers.

Phone numbers with the new 424 area code could only be issued after today, Aug. 26 Beginning July 26, 2006, 1+10-digit dialing will be required to complete calls.

When 760 numbers are no longer available, new customers will receive 424 area code numbers, said Andrew Kotch, public information officer for the state’s Public Utilities Commission.