Area Code 661: Complete Guide to Bakersfield and Southern California

Area code 661 is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) telephone area code serving parts of Southern California, including Bakersfield, Kern County, and northern Los Angeles County. If you're wondering who is calling from area code 661 or need a 661 phone number for your business, this comprehensive guide provides detailed information about the 661 area code's history, geographic coverage, regulatory information, telecommunications landscape, and answers to frequently asked questions. You'll gain a practical understanding of how area code 661 functions and its significance in the region's communication infrastructure.

History and Establishment of Area Code 661

When did Bakersfield become 661 area code? Area code 661 was established on February 13, 1999, as the 250th area code in service and the 24th in California, splitting from the original area code 805. The split became necessary due to rapid number exhaustion driven by population growth, increased telecommunications competition, and the proliferation of mobile phones, fax machines, pagers, and dial-up internet modems. According to CPUC reports, the 805 area code contained approximately 7.60 million telephone numbers available for consumer use before the split.

Geographic Coverage: Where Area Code 661 Serves

Area code 661 covers a significant portion of Southern California, primarily within Kern County and northern Los Angeles County. Important for calling costs: Even though these areas share the same 661 area code, calls between different rate centers within 661 may be billed as local toll calls rather than local calls. Rate centers define geographic zones for billing purposes – calls within the same rate center are typically local (lower rates), while calls between different rate centers may incur per-minute toll charges unless included in your calling plan. Major rate centers in 661 include Bakersfield, Lancaster, Palmdale, and Santa Clarita, each with distinct local calling boundaries.

While Bakersfield is the largest city within the 661 area code (with a population of 403,455 as of the 2020 Census, making it the 9th-most populous city in California), its reach extends beyond this urban center to encompass a diverse range of communities.

• Kern County: This county forms the heart of area code 661, including Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Shafter, Taft, and other smaller towns and rural areas. The county had a population of 909,235 as of the 2020 Census. Bakersfield, known for its agricultural and energy industries (Kern County is California's most productive oil-producing county), represents a major hub within the 661 network. Demographically, Bakersfield is the 5th-largest majority-Hispanic city in the United States, with 53% of its population being Hispanic.
• Northern Los Angeles County: The 661 area code also serves parts of northern Los Angeles County, including the Santa Clarita Valley (Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, and Valencia), the Antelope Valley (Lancaster and Palmdale), and surrounding mountainous areas. These areas are known for their suburban communities and aerospace industry.
• Additional Counties: Beyond Kern and Los Angeles counties, small portions of Ventura, Santa Barbara (specifically Cuyama and New Cuyama), Tulare, and San Bernardino counties are also included within area code 661, demonstrating its broad geographic reach. This wider coverage is important for businesses and individuals operating across county lines.

Regulatory Oversight and How to Dial 661 Numbers

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates area code 661, oversees numbering resources, manages area code relief planning, and enforces number conservation measures.

Consumer Protection and Filing Complaints:

If you experience issues with your telecommunications provider that cannot be resolved directly, the CPUC provides several complaint mechanisms:

• Informal Complaints: Call the CPUC Consumer Affairs Branch at 1-800-649-7570 or file online. The Consumer Affairs Branch assists consumers with resolving disputes involving regulated utility providers.
• Slamming and Cramming: If a company switched your service without permission (slamming) or added unauthorized charges to your bill (cramming), file an unauthorized service changes complaint immediately.
• Formal Complaints: For unresolved issues, file a formal complaint. Through this procedure, the CPUC can order your utility to take corrective action.
• Number Porting Issues: Under FCC rules, your old company cannot refuse to port your number to a new provider, even if you owe money. Simple ports must be processed within one business day.

Here's a breakdown of the standard dialing procedures within and to area code 661:

• Local Calls (within 661): Dial the 7-digit phone number (XXX-XXXX). This simplified dialing is possible because 661 has no overlay area code. As of 2025, fewer than 71 area codes out of 478 currently active still permit 7-digit dialing.
• Toll Calls (from outside 661): Dial 1 + 661 + the 7-digit phone number (1-661-XXX-XXXX). The "1" prefix designates a long-distance call, even if the call is geographically close.
• Operator-Assisted Calls: Dial 0 + 661 + the 7-digit phone number (0-661-XXX-XXXX). This connects you with an operator who can assist with specialized call services.

Understanding Rate Centers and Local vs. Toll Calls:

Not all calls within area code 661 are billed the same way. The 661 area code contains multiple rate centers – geographic zones that determine whether a call is local or local toll. According to FCC guidelines, local toll calls (also called intraLATA toll) occur when you call outside your local exchange area but within your Local Access and Transport Area (LATA). These calls may incur per-minute charges unless included in your service bundle. For example, a call from Bakersfield to Lancaster (both in 661) may be classified as local toll rather than local, depending on your provider's rate center definitions and calling plan.

Important: Confirm the area code before calling businesses or individuals in regions bordering the 661 area. Check with your provider about which rate centers are included in your local calling area to avoid unexpected toll charges.

Telecommunications Services and Providers in Area Code 661

Area code 661 benefits from a competitive telecommunications market with multiple providers. Major carriers include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, alongside smaller local providers and VoIP services. This competition provides options for landlines, mobile services, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and internet access.

Sample Pricing (2025):

As of 2025, typical wireless plans in the Bakersfield area include:

• AT&T: Unlimited plans starting at approximately $35–65/month for single lines (AT&T Bakersfield), with higher-tier plans ($75–85/month) offering premium data and features.
• T-Mobile: Experience plans with 5-Year Price Guarantee, starting around $30–55/month per line depending on features and number of lines.
• Verizon: Unlimited plans comparable to AT&T pricing, typically $65–85/month for single lines.
• VoIP Providers: Business and residential VoIP services offering 661 numbers starting at $15–30/month with unlimited local calling.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Provider:

• Service Availability: Coverage varies significantly between urban centers (Bakersfield, Santa Clarita, Lancaster) and rural areas of Kern County. Mountainous regions and remote parts of the Antelope Valley may have limited coverage. Check coverage maps carefully, especially for rural locations.
• Pricing and Plans: Compare pricing structures, data allowances, contract terms, and whether local toll calls within 661 are included. Multi-line family plans typically offer per-line discounts of 20–40%.
• Customer Service: Research customer reviews and ratings to gauge the quality of support.
• Technology: Consider the technology used by each provider (e.g., fiber optic for landline internet, 5G for wireless, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable) and its impact on speed and reliability. 5G coverage is strongest in Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Santa Clarita as of 2025.

Number Availability and Future of Area Code 661

The CPUC actively monitors number utilization through number pooling (implemented nationally by the FCC on March 15, 2002, in the 100 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas) to ensure a sufficient supply of phone numbers. Area code 661 is not currently in jeopardy of exhaustion, and there are no official plans to change it. However, the CPUC may implement an overlay or a split if demand grows.

What Happens If an Overlay Is Implemented:

An overlay would introduce a second area code within the same geographic region. According to FCC overlay regulations:

• Existing numbers remain unchanged: Your current 661 phone number stays the same – you do not need to change your number.
• 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory: You must dial the area code + 7-digit number for all calls, including local calls within 661. This typically requires a permissive dialing period (6+ months) where both 7-digit and 10-digit dialing work, followed by a mandatory period.
• Update stored numbers: Update contact lists, auto-dialers, alarm systems, medical alert devices, fax machines, and any equipment programmed with 7-digit numbers to use 10-digit format.
• No action required for your number: You do not need to contact your provider unless updating equipment or programming.

A split would divide the current 661 area into 2 smaller regions, each with its own area code, requiring some customers to change their numbers – a more disruptive process that is less commonly used in modern area code relief planning.

Business Considerations for Area Code 661

Obtaining a 661 Phone Number

Businesses can acquire 661 phone numbers through several methods:

• Traditional Carriers: Contact AT&T, Verizon, or other local carriers directly to request a new 661 number. Availability depends on number inventory within specific rate centers.
• VoIP Providers: Services like RingCentral, Grasshopper, OpenPhone, and other VoIP providers offer virtual 661 numbers starting at $15–30/month. VoIP numbers provide flexibility – your business can have a local 661 presence regardless of physical location.
• Vanity Numbers: Custom or vanity phone numbers (e.g., 661-FLOWERS) are available through specialized number brokers and some VoIP providers. Prices vary based on memorability and desirability.
• Toll-Free Alternatives: Consider pairing a local 661 number with a toll-free number (800, 888, 877, etc.) for customers calling from outside the region.

Number Porting

According to FCC number portability rules, businesses can keep their existing 661 numbers when changing service providers:

• Process: Contact your new provider to initiate the port. Provide your 10-digit phone number, account number, and any PIN or password from your current provider.
• Timeline: Simple ports (single lines without complex equipment) must be completed within one business day. Wireline-to-wireless ports may take several days.
• No refusal: Your old provider cannot refuse to port your number, even if you have an outstanding balance (though you're still obligated to pay).
• Fees: Porting fees vary by provider ($0–50 typical), but some providers waive fees to attract new customers.
• Important: Do not cancel service with your old provider before the port completes, or you may lose your number.

Local Presence Benefits

Maintaining a 661 area code provides significant advantages for businesses:

• Local Trust: Customers in Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Santa Clarita are more likely to answer calls from familiar 661 numbers.
• Rate Center Strategy: By selecting numbers in specific rate centers, businesses can ensure customers can reach them at local rates rather than incurring toll charges.
• Market Perception: A local 661 number signals commitment to the regional market.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Number Porting Problems

• Port Delays: If your port takes longer than expected, contact your new provider's porting department. Delays often occur due to mismatched account information.
• Service Gaps: During wireline-to-wireless ports, you may temporarily have two phones with the same number. Confirm with your new provider how to handle this transition.
• Port Rejections: Common reasons include incorrect account numbers, mismatched names, or unpaid final bills. Verify all information matches your old provider's records exactly.

Billing Disputes

• Unexpected Toll Charges: If you're charged for calls you expected to be local, review your calling plan's rate center coverage. Request an itemized bill showing call destinations and classifications.
• Unauthorized Charges (Cramming): Unfamiliar charges on your bill may indicate cramming. Contact your provider immediately and file a CPUC complaint at 1-800-649-7570.
• Service Changes Without Consent (Slamming): If your provider was switched without permission, you have the right to be returned to your original provider without penalty.

Scam Call Identification and 661 Spam Calls

Who is calling from area code 661? If you receive unexpected calls from 661 numbers, be aware that scammers often spoof local area codes:

• Spoofed 661 Numbers: Scammers often use caller ID spoofing to make calls appear to originate from local 661 numbers. Be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting personal information, even if the caller ID shows a local area code.
• Verification: If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from a business or government agency, hang up and call the organization directly using a number from their official website.
• Call Blocking: Most major carriers offer spam call identification and blocking features. Enable these through your carrier's app or website.
• Do Not Call Registry: Register your number at donotcall.gov to reduce legitimate telemarketing calls.

Calling Costs and Rate Information

Understanding Call Rates

Call costs within and to area code 661 vary based on several factors:

Local Calls:

• Landline: Traditional landline plans typically include unlimited local calling within your rate center. Monthly costs range from $20–50 for basic service.
• Mobile: Most modern wireless plans include unlimited nationwide calling, eliminating distinctions between local and long-distance for mobile users.
• VoIP: VoIP services generally offer unlimited local and long-distance calling within the US for $15–30/month.

Local Toll Calls:

• Within 661 Area Code: Calls between different rate centers (e.g., Bakersfield to Lancaster) may be classified as local toll. Traditional landline rates range from $0.05–0.15 per minute unless included in a calling plan.
• Bundled Plans: Many carriers offer bundled plans that include local toll calling at no additional charge. Verify whether intraLATA calls are included in your plan.

Long-Distance Calls:

• From 661 to Other Area Codes: Calls outside the 661 LATA are long-distance. Traditional per-minute rates range from $0.05–0.25, though most modern plans include unlimited long-distance.
• Interstate Calls: Calls crossing state boundaries are regulated by the FCC rather than the CPUC. Rates and regulations may differ from intrastate calls.

International Calls:

• Rates vary significantly by destination country. Most carriers charge $0.50–3.00 per minute for international calls unless you have an international calling plan.

Cost-Saving Tips:

• Compare bundled plans that include unlimited local, local toll, and long-distance calling.
• For businesses making frequent calls between 661 rate centers, verify which exchanges are considered local versus local toll.
• Consider VoIP services for significant cost savings on both local and long-distance calling.
• Mobile users: Modern unlimited plans eliminate most calling cost concerns, making wireless increasingly cost-competitive with traditional landlines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 661

What is 661 known for?

Area code 661 is known for serving California's major agricultural and energy hub in Kern County, including Bakersfield (the state's 9th-largest city), as well as the aerospace industry centers in Lancaster and Palmdale, and the growing suburban communities of Santa Clarita Valley.

What cities are included in area code 661?

Area code 661 primarily serves Bakersfield, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and numerous smaller communities in Kern and northern Los Angeles Counties.

When was area code 661 established?

Area code 661 was established on February 13, 1999, as a split from the original 805 area code.

How do I dial a number within area code 661?

For local calls within 661, dial the 7-digit phone number. For calls from outside 661, dial 1 + 661 + the 7-digit number.

What is the time zone for area code 661?

Area code 661 is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), observing Pacific Standard Time (PST) and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

Are there any future plans to change area code 661?

Currently, there are no official plans to change area code 661. However, the CPUC continually monitors number availability and may implement changes in the future if necessary. According to the CPUC website, they are actively managing area code relief and number conservation across California.

What is the population of the 661 area code region?

The 661 area code serves over 1.3 million people across Kern County (909,235) and portions of northern Los Angeles County, with Bakersfield being the largest city at 403,455 residents.

Can I still use 7-digit dialing in area code 661?

Yes, area code 661 is one of the few remaining California area codes that still allows 7-digit dialing for local calls. This is possible because 661 has no overlay area code sharing its geographic region.

What counties does area code 661 cover?

Area code 661 covers portions of 6 counties: Kern County (primary), northern Los Angeles County, and small parts of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and San Bernardino counties.

Will I be charged toll fees for calls within 661?

It depends on your calling plan and the rate centers involved. Calls within the same rate center are typically local (no toll charges), while calls between different rate centers within 661 may be classified as local toll with per-minute charges unless your plan includes unlimited calling.

How do I file a complaint about my 661 phone service?

Contact the CPUC Consumer Affairs Branch at 1-800-649-7570 or file online at cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/file-a-complaint. The CPUC can assist with billing disputes, service quality issues, and unauthorized service changes.

Conclusion

Area code 661 is a vital part of Southern California's communication network. This guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of its history, coverage, regulations, services, business considerations, and practical troubleshooting advice. By understanding these aspects, you can effectively navigate the telecommunications landscape, avoid unexpected charges, protect yourself from scams, and choose the best services for your needs. For the most up-to-date information on area code changes and telecommunications regulations, visit the CPUC website.

Related Resources:

• Learn about E.164 phone number formatting for international dialing
• Explore SMS pricing across different regions
• Discover other California area codes and their coverage areas