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Area Code 251: Everything You Need to Know About Alabama's Telecommunications Hub
Explore Alabama's Area Code 251, serving Mobile, Baldwin & Washington counties. Established June 18, 2001 from area code 334. Details on NANPA regulations, including mandatory ten-digit dialing implemented October 24, 2021, plus key telecom services and geographic specifics like Mobile's 30.69436 latitude.
Area Code 251: Everything You Need to Know About Alabama's Telecommunications Hub
Introduction
Area Code 251 is a vital part of Alabama's telecommunications infrastructure, covering the southwestern region, including Mobile, Baldwin, and Washington counties. Whether you're moving to the area, setting up a business, or simply curious about the local telecom landscape, this guide will provide you with all the essential information.
What is Area Code 251?
Area Code 251 was established on June 18, 2001, as a split from Area Code 334 to better serve the growing population and telecommunications needs in southwestern Alabama. This code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which standardizes phone numbers in the U.S. and other participating countries.
Geographic Coverage
Area Code 251 primarily services the following counties in Alabama:
- Mobile County
- Baldwin County
- Washington County
Major Cities in Area Code 251
-
Mobile, Alabama
- Latitude: 30.69436
- Longitude: -88.04305
-
Prichard, Alabama
- Latitude: 30.7388
- Longitude: -88.07889
These cities are key economic and cultural centers in Alabama, with Mobile being the largest city in the area.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Area Code 251 supports a variety of telecommunications services, catering to both residential and commercial needs.
Leading Service Providers
Several major carriers operate in the area, offering a range of services such as:
- Landline Services
- Wireless Services
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Available Services
Residents and businesses in Area Code 251 have access to a full suite of telecommunications options, ensuring connectivity across different platforms.
Regulatory Information
Area Code 251 is regulated by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA). Key regulatory updates include:
- Ten-Digit Dialing: As of October 24, 2021, ten-digit dialing became mandatory to accommodate the new 988 code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
- Compliance: The area code adheres to NANPA regulations, ensuring efficient number allocation and service provision.
For more information, visit the North American Numbering Plan Administrator.
Historical Context
- June 18, 2001: Area Code 251 was created from a split of Area Code 334.
- January 7, 2002: Full implementation allowed time for electronic device reprogramming.
- October 24, 2021: Transition to ten-digit dialing due to national regulatory changes.
Conclusion
Area Code 251 is a crucial telecommunications hub in southwestern Alabama, supporting significant urban areas like Mobile and Prichard. The area code's evolution reflects the dynamic nature of telecommunications in the region, adapting to meet the needs of its residents and businesses.
For additional information or to explore related topics, visit authoritative sources such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Alabama Public Service Commission.
Related Articles
- Understanding Area Codes in Alabama: A Complete Guide
- How to Choose the Right Telecom Provider in Alabama
By staying informed about Area Code 251, you can better navigate the telecommunications landscape in Alabama, ensuring you remain connected and informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is Mobile Alabama?
Mobile, Alabama is in area code 251.
When was area code 251 created in Alabama?
Area code 251 was created on June 18, 2001, as a split from area code 334.
Why was a new area code needed in southwestern Alabama?
The new area code 251 was implemented to accommodate the growing population and telecommunications needs in southwestern Alabama.
What counties are covered by area code 251?
Area code 251 primarily covers Mobile, Baldwin, and Washington counties in Alabama.
What are the coordinates for Mobile, Alabama?
Mobile, Alabama is located at approximately 30.69436 latitude and -88.04305 longitude.
What is the area code for Prichard, Alabama?
Prichard, Alabama is also in area code 251.
What types of telecommunication services are available in area code 251?
Area code 251 supports landline services, wireless services, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
When did ten-digit dialing become mandatory for area code 251?
Ten-digit dialing became mandatory for area code 251 on October 24, 2021.
Why was ten-digit dialing implemented in area code 251?
Ten-digit dialing was implemented to accommodate the new 988 code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Who regulates area code 251?
Area code 251 is regulated by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA).
When was area code 251 fully implemented?
Area code 251 was fully implemented on January 7, 2002, allowing time for electronic device reprogramming.
Where can I find more information about area codes and telecommunications regulations?
You can find more information at the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Alabama Public Service Commission.
When did area code 251 become effective?
Area code 251 was officially established on June 18, 2001. However, full implementation, allowing time for devices to be reprogrammed, occurred on January 7, 2002. This split from area code 334 was necessary to accommodate growth.
Why does Alabama have area code 251?
Area code 251 was created to accommodate the growing population and increasing telecommunication needs in southwestern Alabama. It was split from the existing area code 334 to ensure sufficient phone numbers were available.
How to dial a 251 number from another area code?
As of October 24, 2021, ten-digit dialing is required for all calls to area code 251. This means you must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number, even when calling from within the same area code.
What is the area code for Baldwin County Alabama?
Baldwin County, Alabama is covered by area code 251, along with Mobile and Washington counties. This area code was established in 2001 as a split from area code 334.
What counties are included in area code 251?
Area code 251 primarily serves Mobile, Baldwin, and Washington counties in southwestern Alabama. This region includes major cities like Mobile and Prichard.
What is the geographic coverage of area code 251?
Area code 251 covers the southwestern region of Alabama, specifically Mobile, Baldwin, and Washington counties. Major cities within this area code include Mobile and Prichard.
When should I use 10-digit dialing for 251?
Ten-digit dialing (including the area code) for 251 became mandatory on October 24, 2021. This change was implemented nationwide to accommodate the 988 code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
What telecommunication services are available in area code 251?
Area code 251 supports a wide range of telecommunications services, including landlines, wireless, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). These services are available for both residential and commercial use.
What is the history of area code 251 Alabama?
Originally part of area code 334, area code 251 was created on June 18, 2001, and fully implemented on January 7, 2002. On October 24, 2021, ten-digit dialing became mandatory for the area.