The History of 619

The 619 area code was formerly assigned by the North American Numbering Plan to serve all of the southernmost parts of the state of California, including cities like Los Angeles. Originally, this prefix’s reach extended from the Pacific Ocean to the Nevada border and down to Mexico. Today, it barely touches Tecate and only goes as far north as Rancho Santa Fe and the southern edge of the city of Encinitas. 

In modern culture, football player Reggie Bush made the 619 area code famous when he painted it on his eye black during games. However, the history of the 619 area code dates back to 1982, when it was introduced as a split for the 714 area code. 

It served all of San Diego and most other areas of southern California south of Orange County until 1997. Then, the area was split into two. The northern part of San Diego and its suburbs were covered by area code 858, while the 619 area code remained for the rest of the region. 

Today, you’ll find that both area codes cover pretty much precisely the same area, with the 619 area code remaining the more prominent area code for established businesses in San Diego, such as Petco Park and Marriott hotels.

Where Can You Get a 619 Area Code?

Trying to get a 619 area code is easier than you might think. In fact, you have several different options to work with. Unfortunately, most of them come with irritating side effects. Most, but not all. There is one irritation-free method, but you first must read on to find out more about it. 

Request a 619 Area Code

People change their phone numbers all the time for a variety of reasons. It’s so common that you don’t need to provide a reason. Just call up your phone service provider, request a number with a 619 area code, and they’ll give you an unused one. Almost all of them will provide this service free of charge too.

While that sounds like an open-and-shut case, there is a little more that you should know. You see, you can’t just change your phone number all willy-nilly. To get a new number, you’ll need to relinquish your current one. Forever.

You can’t simply use the 619 number for a week and then switch back. Once you give it up, it vanishes for good. Once the switch is made, you’ll have to go through the trouble of telling everyone in your contact list.

Of course, that’s even assuming that there’s a free 619 number that you can have. Remember that the 619 area code has been in service for decades now. Area code 858 has been functioning as a makeshift overlay in San Diego for quite some time. So it's far more likely that your phone service provider will ask you to settle for an 858 number instead.

Set Up a New Phone in San Diego

Area codes are much easier to understand when they are applied to landlines. The area code is assigned based on the physical address of the service in question. Since cell phones were created specifically to be mobile, that means that this isn’t a viable method. Instead, cell phones are assigned their area codes based on where they are purchased and set up.

In other words, buying a phone in San Diego and setting it up there could mean that it receives a 619 area code. You’ve probably already noticed the potential flaws with this method. 

The most obvious issue is that you’ll be shelling out quite a lot of money. Traveling to San Diego might be a good idea for a vacation, but it’s definitely not going to be a cheap one. The further away that you live, the more it’ll cost you.

Next, you’ll need to drop some cash on the new phone. Even “cheap” phones are more expensive than you’re probably thinking. On top of all that, you can expect your monthly phone bill to double at the very least.

Worst of all, you’ll have an even worse chance of getting a 619 number than you did with the previous method. It’s way more likely that you’ll be assigned an 858 number instead, and you won’t even know it until after you’ve already spent a bunch of money.

Even if you do get a 619 number, you’ll now have to carry around two phones all the time. Just imagine how much of a hassle that will be! A phone for each pants pocket, two chargers by your bed, and twice the daily phone calls. Inconvenient doesn't even begin to describe that headache. 

Create a Burner Account

Chances are that you’ve at least heard of a “burner” phone before if you haven’t owned one. If not, it’s a very simple concept. You buy a cheap, expendable phone and use it for a short amount of time. When you’re done with it, you “burn” it by throwing it away — a pretty wasteful thing to do.

Luckily, the practice has fallen by the wayside. In the modern age, it’s much more common to “burn” a phone number instead of an entire cell phone. 

Once you’ve downloaded Burner, you’ll be required to select an area code for your number. Just enter “619.” You’ll be given a list of 10 seven-digit numbers to choose from. Each will have the 619 area code. 

The one that you select will be yours for as long as you want. You can “burn” it whenever you don’t need it and get a new 619 number or number from a completely different area code. 

Select. Click. And go on with your day.

Whenever someone calls or messages your 619 number, it’ll be rerouted through Burner and transferred to your phone. It’s like two different phones in one gadget. You don’t have to buy a new phone in San Diego, and you don’t have to make any permanent changes. Just download Burner and create an account. That’s all it takes!

The Next Step For a 619 Area Code

Surely you would agree that Burner surpasses all the other ways to get a 619 area code.

You don’t have to deal with any undesirable side effects. You aren’t going to be spending a boatload of money on traveling and phones (Burner is less than $10 a month). You aren’t going to be making any permanent changes to your phone service (Burner is entirely separate from your service provider). All that you have to do is download Burner and create an account. All of the upsides with none of the downsides — if only everything in life were like that. 

Whenever you install Burner, you’ll be prompted to select an area code. Just enter “619” to receive a list of numbers to choose from. Pick the one that you want; keep it for as long as you need. When you’re through with it, you can “burn” it for a new number from a different area code if you’d like.

You’ll also be able to switch to as many lines with as many area codes as you need and have the option to cancel service whenever you want to. With up to three phone numbers at once, you have all the benefits with none of the pesky drawbacks of the other techniques. 

Browse through Burner to discover more about how it all works. You can begin your free seven-day trial to experience all the benefits for yourself. Using Burner could make the future of your business shine as brightly as the sunniest days on a San Diego beach!

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SOURCES:

Wedding for 619 and 858 Area Codes Imminent | San Diego Reader

619 Area Code | All Area Codes

San Diego to Run Out of 619 Area Code Phone Numbers by 2019 | NBC San Diego

About San Diego, California | San Diego

Tim Tebow Rule: The NCAA Bans Eye Black "Messages" | Bleacher Report