.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Amongst the 50 states in the United States, there are over 335 area codes assigned with phone numbers. That makes for a lot of phone number combinations. No, not just a lot, billions of them!
For some, an area code is just an area code. It is a three-digit number assigned at the time a new line is added to your account. But, is it a mere code, or does it have a greater meaning and impact on your personal life?
What Is the History of the Area Code?
Even if curiosity killed the cat, it’s still useful to know and understand the background of how the telephone system, phone numbers, and area codes have evolved. Consider it a baseline for what can envisioned for the future.
The 1800s: Before Phone Numbers and Area Codes
Let’s take a trip through time, returning to the 1800s. Antonio Meucci introduced his invention of the talking telegraph, which was later to be called the harmonic telegraph and patented by Alexander Graham Bell, who is more often considered the founding father of the telephone.
To use these early inventions of the telephone, a telephone operator reported to work behind the scenes. They were often referred to as switchboard operators. There was no need for a phone number, let alone an area code, as the operator would receive the call and manually switch the wire to connect the caller with the recipient.
The 1900s and Forward: Technology Advancements Introducing Phone Numbers
Ever wonder when the first phone numbers originated? They did not start as the seven-digit phone numbers recognized today. Area codes were not front of mind either.
As the 1800s came to a close, one to three-digit phone numbers kicked off the change from the switchboards. As the years went by, the number of digits increased. Letters were included, too, usually the first two letters of the phone subscriber's name. Alphanumeric phone numbers were also often used to associate with the subscriber’s address.
The population continued to grow, requiring the expansion of the phone number system in the 1950s and the introduction of the area code. Bell envisioned this, the all-number calling we know today, also referred to as the North American Number Plan or NANP.
10-Digit Phone Numbers: Committing to Memory
Before cell phones, landlines were the next best thing invented to connect households. Each landline then and now has a 10-digit phone number to memorize (or seven-digit if you exclude the area code).
Well, isn’t that ironic? Studies show the lucky number seven as being the magic number for the brain’s working memory.
Recollect is what people did. You didn’t need to know the area code by heart unless you were making a call out-of-area or long-distance until technology expanded and a phone book no longer served a purpose.
Think about it for a moment. If you were asked to share a friend’s phone number, would you know it right off the bat, or would you need to look it up from your cell phone’s storage bank? Your answer is likely the latter.
Making phone calls today requires the area code, exceeding the brain’s working memory. It’s a good thing you can quickly reference your phone's rolodex to make that call.
Are Area Code Combinations at Risk?
Phone numbers are on the verge of becoming endangered. That sounds out of this world, considering the history of phone numbers, how they’ve evolved, and the world’s population.
Over 7.49 billion people worldwide are forecasted to own a mobile device by 2025. Calculating the math and considering each person uses, at a minimum, one phone number each does not leave a large bank behind of phone numbers to choose from.
About every 90 days, phone numbers are recycled (which may be why you’re receiving unwanted calls on what you consider a new line). The keyword there is recycled.
The seven-digit numbering system does not have infinite combinations, nor does the area code system. At some point, these will be exhausted, creating the need for longer phone numbers at a minimum.
Is There Logic Behind the Area Code and Its Geographical Location?
When the area code was first introduced, it was semi-organized and thought out. But there is a difference between geographical and non-geographical area codes.
Geographical vs. Non-Geographical Area Codes
When the North American Numbering Plan was first rolled out, 86 geographical areas were mapped out. These areas were called Numbering Plan Areas.
These geographical areas were not the basis behind the logic of area codes, though. Instead, it sharply focuses on the population of these locations or non-geographical areas.
Alexander Graham Bell was forward-thinking, trying to stay one step ahead to prepare for sudden change and growth. The logic he implied with the area code focuses on the second number of the three-digit code.
This number was to either be a zero or a one, where a one meant that the state had more than one area code associated with it. The system worked well in the 1900s through the lifetime of the rotary phones.
Remember those? Patience was a true virtue as the dialer would rotate for every number entered; it wasn’t a simple push of a button. The one and zero did not need to be dragged all the way around like the eight or nine would.
Another method to the madness focuses on the size of the state or city. Those with greater populations had smaller numbered area codes. In a nutshell, the logic behind the area code is less focused on where you are located and more focused on future expansion and growth.
Special Area Codes
The North American Numbering Plan Administration has set aside specific area codes, specifically those that contain repeating digits. For example, the 800 series is no stranger to any of us.
Another committee, known as the Industry Numbering Committee, set aside the 37X and 96X series. Their reasoning? You never know when you’ll need 10 consecutive area codes available at the palm of your hand.
Do You Need an Area Code To Call International?
The United States, Canada, and the majority of the Caribbean require the use of three-digit area codes. It is essential when picking up the phone and dialing a friend or family member. Otherwise, the call will fail.
Area codes exist internationally, too, for most countries. It is also referred to as the national code. To make a phone call outside of the United States or Canada, the country code to dial out is required in addition to the country code associated with where you are calling.
Do Area Codes and Zip Codes Correlate?
Area codes and zip codes are not one of the same and do not correlate. Your area code identifies with your geographic location. Your zip code does, too, but it’s used for the postal service versus the phone system.
Even the logic of how the zip code versus the area code does not align as zip codes have a methodology in place with the first three digits increasing the farther west you travel.
How Important Is an Area Code, and Does It Matter?
Your area code and phone number are a part of your identity, whether you want them to be or not. Think of them as your social security number, in a way. It is a number assigned to you, that allows others to recognize you.
What Makes an Area Code Popular?
Location, location, location! Ever notice that some area codes are more recognizable than others? Familiarity is fundamental.
Admit it; there is a higher probability you’ll answer a call from a phone number associated with an area code you know versus one that is unknown. Caller ID comes in handy — thank goodness calls are screenable!
Can You Choose Your Area Code?
Believe it or not, there is a market for buying phone numbers! That isn’t surprising, though, since there’s a market for purchasing license plates for your vehicle or customizing them your way.
When you first approach the sales desk or purchase the cart from the service provider's website, you are automatically assigned a 10-digit phone number. You don’t have to stop there, though.
You can customize your area code and phone number using voice-over-internet protocol, or VoIP for short. This is a fancy way to say use the Burner app.
You may already be using one and not realize it. For example, have you heard of or used Microsoft Teams or Google Voice before? These are just two examples of thousands of VoIP options available.
Breaking Down the Best Area Codes
Perhaps you have an area code in mind that you’d like to use, or you have a list of codes you’d prefer to stay away from. You’d be amazed at how much people are willing to pay for an area code based on its location and rarity. Some are more prestigious than others.
In any event, let’s walk through some of the most sought-after area codes across the United States and those most associated with spam calls.
212 - New York City
Oh, New York, New York! The Big Apple, Manhattan, the entertainment district, you name it. New York City trends as one of the most sought-after area codes, with many of them being purchased.
212 on a rotary dial phone is effortless. As more flats, apartments, and houses fill in New York, the need for additional area codes surges. The effect? 212 is more of a commodity. It is the “original school” area code that’s now playing hard to get.
310 - California
California knows how to party, with even its area code remaining on the hot list. Who wouldn’t want to associate themselves with a California lifestyle, soaking up the rays on the beach or surfing the waves? Or feeling like a celebrity?
The 310 area code is one of the most challenging area codes to obtain. Instead, area codes such as 628 and 424 are generated, which do not follow fame and fortune on the list of popular area codes.
305 - Miami, Florida
Welcome to Miami! Home to the University of Miami’s football team, the Miami Hurricanes. Also home to the Miami Dolphins (NFL), and the Miami Heat (NBA).
There is a lot of history, between sports and architecture, in Miami that draws fame to the 305 area code. It’s more than just an area code for those who seek or have it; it is a symbol of heritage.
Possible Spam Area Codes
Hello, are you aware your car warranty is about to expire? Typical spam call!
Most times, your phone will let you know if an inbound call is a potential spam call or is from an unknown caller. There is a chance those robocalls will still make it through to you though.
Here are a few area codes scammers tend to use:
- 216 - Ohio
- 712 - Iowa
- 218 - Minnesota
- 469 - Texas
- 332, 347, and 646 - New York
- 657 - California
Which Area Code and Phone Number Will You Choose?
That question remains in your hands as you have the power to choose. If you decide to use Burner apps for a second, third, or fourth phone number, you only expand the possibilities.
Maybe you’ll commit to an area code in a dominant area and tag an easy-to-remember number to the last four digits of the phone number as one option. For example, associate the last four numbers with a word. Attorneys are culprits, along with many other fields.
Whichever area code and phone number you choose, keep data integrity and anonymity in mind. Safeguard your identity; you never know who will get their hands on it and what their intent of us may be.
Sources:
Forecast number of mobile users worldwide 2020-2025 | Statista
In the Brain, Seven Is A Magic Number | ABC News
International Country Calling Codes and Dialing Prefixes | Nations Online
The Unexpected Logic Behind Area Codes | Atlas Obscura
