Area code 959 covers Hartford and surrounding areas in Connecticut. Local time is Eastern Time, and from outside the U.S. you dial +1 959 before the seven-digit number. It was activated in 2014 as an overlay of area code 860. For the full picture, see all Connecticut area codes.
On this page
| State | Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Hartford |
| Cities also served | Hartford, New Britain, Bristol, Middletown, Norwich, East Hartford, West Hartford, Torrington |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Country code | +1 (from abroad: +1 959 + 7 digits) |
| Year established | August 30, 2014 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 860 |
| Overlay codes | 860 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 959
Area code 959 serves Central and northern Connecticut, including the Greater Hartford area, including the following cities and communities:
- Hartford
- New Britain
- Bristol
- Middletown
- Norwich
- East Hartford
- West Hartford
- Torrington
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 860, 203, 475. Area code assignments are administered by NANPA.
How to Get a 959 Phone Number
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Browse 959 Numbers →There are three ways to get a phone number with the 959 area code, each suited to a different need:
- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 959 number directly, often with a one-time fee and ownership transferred to you (no recurring carrier fees). This is the option for picking a specific memorable number, or for getting an area code that most carriers won’t let you request. Browse our 959 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 959 number on request, especially for active overlay codes. You won’t usually get to pick the specific number, but you’ll get a working line in the area code. This is the cheapest option for anyone who doesn’t need a particular number.
- Port an existing 959 number. If you already have a 959 phone number with another carrier, you can transfer it (port it) to a new service provider while keeping the number. This works for landlines, cell phones, and VoIP services, though landlines outside of Connecticut sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 959 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 959 area code still in use?
Yes. 959 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Central and northern Connecticut, including the Greater Hartford area.
What is the difference between 959 and 860?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Connecticut. New phone lines in the area may be assigned either code. The two codes work identically for calling, billing, and service.
What is the parent area code of 959?
Area code 959 is an overlay of 860. Both codes serve the same region of Connecticut.
Can I get a 959 number if I don't live in Connecticut?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 959 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 959 a scam area code?
No. 959 is a legitimate, active area code for Central and northern Connecticut, including the Greater Hartford area. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 959 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Connecticut businesses, government offices, and residents.
When did area code 959 go into service?
Area code 959 went into service on August 30, 2014, as an overlay to the existing 860 area code covering central and northern Connecticut.
What area code does 959 overlay?
Area code 959 is an overlay of area code 860. Both codes serve the same geographic region of central and northern Connecticut, and ten-digit dialing is required for all local calls.
Why was area code 959 created?
The Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control announced 959 in August 1999 to relieve number exhaustion pressure on the 860 area code. Implementation was delayed over a decade before the overlay finally activated in 2014.
Related Reading
- How Many Area Codes Are In the US?
- Who Invented Area Codes?
- Why Use Area Codes For Local Calls?
- What States Have the Most Area Codes?
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