The History of Prefix 516

In 1947, Nassau County shared the 914 area code with Suffolk County and the lower Hudson Valley. In 1951, just four years later, Nassau County and Suffolk County were split from the Hudson Valley and shared their own prime area code, 516. It then became the official area code of Long Island. 

While Long Island has seen dramatic growth in both population and telephone services in the 50 years since its introduction, Nassau County and its 516 area code have not yet been affected by this surge. However, it looks as if the 516 area codecould run out of numbers by the end of 2023. The 363 area code is already prepared and expected to launch as an overlay very soon. 

How Do You Get a 516 Area Code?

Getting a certain area code isn’t particularly hard. You actually have several different options to choose from. The problem is most of these methods will come with some highly frustrating consequences. Most of them, but not all of them. One option is frustration-free, and it should be your best option — read on. 

Change Your Phone Number 

People request different phone numbers all the time. It’s such a common practice that most carriers don’t question why. To do this, ring them up, ask for a 516 area code, and they’ll do their best to give you one. In most cases, they won’t even charge you for providing the service. 

While it might sound like your search is over, there’s a critical tidbit of info you need: Sadly, you can’t just change phone numbers like you might change your socks.

Once you get a new phone number, the old one is lost forever. You’ll permanently lose access to your current phone number if you change to a 516 area code. That means informing all of your contacts about the new number. 

Of course, you might not even be able to get a 516 number anymore. Remember that the 363 area code is being implemented soon. The reason why is that there are almost no open 516 numbers left! Depending on when you’re reading this, it might be too late: Your only option would be a 363 area code instead. 

Purchase a Phone Whenever You Visit Long Island

The way that area codes are assigned to landlines is very simple. The three-digit number is assigned according to the location of the phone service subscriber. Since there are no addresses attached to a cell phone, that makes area codes a little more complicated. Instead of a location, the area codes for cell phones are assigned based on where the phone is bought and activated.

So if you were to buy a phone in Long Island and set it up while you were there, then you could potentially receive a 516 area code. It shouldn’t be hard to see some of the massive flaws in this plan. 

For starters, you’ll be spending quite a bit of money by using this method. Unless you live in Long Island (how do you not have a 516 number now?), then you’ll need to travel there. The further away that you live, the more expensive that trip will be.

Then, you’ll have to consider the final price of the new phone. A “cheap” phone is much more expensive than you might think. Lastly, you would need to think about what would happen to your monthly phone bill. You can expect it to double, but it might even be more than double based on your service plan. 

The worst part is that you’re not even likely to get a 516 number after all of that! Seeing as how it’s a new phone, you’re practically guaranteed to drop a ton of money for a 323 area code instead. On the other hand, getting a 516 number only means you’ll have to pocket two phones all the time.

Dedicating two pants pockets for your phones is quite a commitment and only the tip of the “annoyance iceberg.” The additional charging necessities and juggling between two separate phones would be quite a daily headache. 

Download the Burner App

You might have heard of a “burner” phone before on TV. If you haven’t, it’s a fairly simple concept to understand. You would buy a rinky-dink, disposable cell and use it for a brief time, separate from your regular phone. When it’s served its purpose, you “burn” it (throw it in the garbage).

The practice is exactly as wasteful as it sounds; it’s hardly a common practice anymore. In the modern day, most people prefer to “burn” their phone number instead of an entire phone. 

After you’ve downloaded Burner, you’ll be prompted to choose a particular area code. Just enter “516,” and you’ll be given a catalog of 10 seven-digit numbers.

Pick the one that you want, and it will be assigned to your Burner account. You can keep it for as long as you want and “burn” it whenever you need/what to. That’s all it takes.

Anytime that someone calls or messages your 516 number, it gets rerouted through Burner before being transferred to your phone. You’ll pretty much have two separate phones in one. You won’t have to book a getaway to Long Island. You won’t have to surrender your current phone number.

Just download the app, enter “516”, and create a Burner account. It’s just that simple.

What To Do Next For a 516 Area Code

Burner is the gold standard when it comes to snagging a 516 area code. Not only is it the only way to 100% guarantee a 516 number, but it’s also the only one that doesn’t come with a long list of headaches attached. You don’t have to spend a ridiculous amount of money (Burner is less than $10 monthly).

You don’t have to make any permanent changes (Burner is separate from your phone service). All you’ll need to do is download Burner and create an account. It’s just that simple!

After you download Burner, you’ll need to enter “516” into the prompt. You’ll then be given a list of ten numbers to choose from. You can keep this number for as long as you need or “burn” it for a new one whenever you want. You could even get a number from a different area code. Add as many lines with as many area codes as you need, and feel free to cancel service whenever the mood strikes. Good luck finding a way to get a 516 area code that gives you a better deal than that!

Browse through the Burner website to discover more about how it works. You can start your free seven-day trial and experience all of the golden opportunities for yourself. By the end of the week, your Long Island number will surely have you eager to use Burner for the long term!

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Sources:

Long Island Will Add 363 Area Code Next Year Due to ‘Robust Economy and Strong Demand’ | NY Daily News

Nassau To Change Area Code for Some New Businesses As 516 Numbers Expected To Run Out | Bronx News 12

516, an L.I. Synonym, May Soon Get a Sibling | The New York Times

516 Area Code | All Area Codes

50 Reasons Why We Love Living on Long Island | Long Island