Area codes are a part of telephone systems used to route telephone calls. Each area code is assigned to a particular geographic region. Telephone companies usually route calls based on the area code dialed. As a result, it's important to understand how area codes work.
Although these codes are primarily for routing telephone calls, these codes also allow people to find the number they want quickly. This is because each area code corresponds to a specific location within a country or state. People can easily look up numbers by knowing which area code to use for their number. Additionally, people can easily find numbers by knowing which area corresponds to their address. For instance, if you live in a rural area, your address may correspond to the post office box section of your town. In this case, you likely don't need an area code for your local calls. Instead, you only need one for the large city where your town is located.
Most Known Area Codes
Area code 830
Area code 830 is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) overlay code that was established in 1996 to serve the area formerly occupied by area code 631. Area code 830 is one of the newer area codes, having been established six years after NANP came into effect. This area code serves much of the northeastern portion of the United States as well as a portion of eastern Canada.
Area code 830 is understandable by most people since it contains only three digits. It was created to serve the northeastern portion of the United States and most of eastern Canada. Initially, this area code was not accessible from all parts of the country. However, after NANP came into effect, all areas gained access to it via landline and mobile phones. Additionally, some states were required to open landlines to all residents, regardless of location. By doing this, everyone could easily call and send messages to those in the designated 830 area code.
Numbering agencies must follow strict guidelines when assigning area codes- especially new ones like 830. For example, businesses must pay special attention to their location when applying for an area code. If an incorrect one is assigned, they will be charged for repeatedly dialing an incorrect number on their phones. In addition, phone users must also obey these rules and avoid calling businesses from outside the designated overlay area. Failure to do so could result in large phone bills.
It is estimated that area code 830 will become depleted within ten years- which means that it will no longer be sufficient for its current population density. However, it will still be in use if enough people remain within its boundaries to necessitate its use. Area codes generally lose numbers very slowly and 830 will likely keep its current number of ten digits for a while yet. After that, larger rate of population loss within its designated area should accelerate this process until only ten digits are sufficient to service its current population size.
Area code 830 is expected to deplete soon since it is used mostly by businesses and residents in rural areas of northeastern United States and eastern Canada. After 830 is exhausted, new numeric area codes will be assigned to rural areas as new carriers seek out new consumers for their services.
The 306 area code
The 306 area code is one of the newest in Canada. It covers a large portion of the province of Ontario and some of the city of Toronto. However, many people haven't been assigned numbers there yet. For that reason, it's still common to hear about numbers that are in use but haven't been assigned to a person. This is because the area code is only available when someone requests it. As of 2017, more than 100 million numbers have been assigned across Canada, and only a small portion have the 306 area code.
When requesting an area code, phone companies determine whether it can be implemented or not based on how many people are currently using it. In 2016, there were only 13 million numbers assigned to phones in the 306 area code. That number will undoubtedly increase as more people get numbers in the new area code. However, it may take some time for this increase to occur due to the large size of the area code. When comparing how many numbers are currently available versus how many will be available when everyone has a number, the 306 area code is still in its infancy.
Those who don't live in the 306 area code must pay extra money when calling a phone there. Companies must pay per minute whenever they call a number from that area code. This is known as an extended cost-user plan and is mandated by Canadian phone company regulation. After more than 100 million numbers have been assigned across Canada, some people will still have numbers they weren't initially allocated. Phone companies must then make up for this by charging customers extra for calling those numbers. This cost is known as access charge and is set by individual provinces; there isn't an equal amount across all provinces in Canada and Ontario.
Some people choose to use their number based on the perceived character of the area's name. For example, if someone lives in Vancouver, BC, they may want to use their number so that people know where they are from- even if that's outside the 306 area code. In addition, people from Toronto may choose to use their 306 number from that city or from anywhere in that large area code. The perceived character of an area's name can influence someone's decision when choosing an area code for their phone number.
The 306 area code is still relatively new, so few numbers have been assigned to phones within it so far. People outside the area code must pay more when calling a number there- which influences which person supposedly influences which number choice? Some choose this new area code because they want their number to stand out among all the other numbers outside the 306 area code. Even though this new area code has very few numbers, it's exciting to see what new ideas will come with more people having phone numbers!
The 506 area code
The 506 area code covers most of the southwestern part of the island of Montreal. It includes the urban areas of L'Assomption, Rigaud, Westmount, La Prairie and La Neuveville-sur-le-lac. It also extends into the neighboring province of Quebec as far as Montreal's boroughs of Anjou, L'arrière-trimestre and LaSalle. At its largest extent, this area code reaches to almost 100% population density in downtown Montreal.
The 506 area code was once the 11XX range, but it has since been split into two separate area codes: 1XX and 6XX. This is because 1XX covers L'Assomption- Joliette and Joliette while 6XX covers Westmount and Pierrefonds- essential for all residents living in these boroughs. Over time, this split has led to not one but two overlaid area codes: 1A0 and 6A0. This is because 1A0 overlaps with 6A0 in both Quebec and Ontario.
The 506 area code covers a large metropolitan area with many different municipalities and communities. It is the only remaining number range from the original Montreal number plan. As such, it is used for many different purposes by local residents. Some community uses include assigning phone numbers to charities, schools and non-profit organizations. Other uses include accessing toll free numbers and international calling services.
The 506 area code also features a unique geography that makes it unique among Canadian area codes. Most other major metropolitan areas feature topographical features such as rivers, lakes and mountains within their boundaries. The 506 area code, however, encompasses an extensive plateau that runs right through downtown Montreal. This plateau contains a lot of natural grassland perfect for raising livestock such as cattle or sheep. Over time, this topography has led to the popular livestock market of La P'tite Patrie in Montreal's West Island section.
Overall, the 506 area code retains its original meaning- 'six.' Many local residents still use this number for everyday purposes due to its versatility and centrality among Montreal residents. With livestock markets popping up all over metropolitan Montreal, this number range may soon gain even more popularity among local residents.