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Sent TeamMay 3, 2025 / area code / Article

Area Code 253 in Washington: Cities, Coverage, and Telecom Details

Explore Washington's area code 253, established April 27, 1997, after splitting from 206. Covers Tacoma, Auburn (47.30732, -122.22845), Federal Way and Lakewood. Understand the NANPA regulatory framework and 10-digit dialing requirements for calls in the southern Puget Sound region.

Area Code 253 in Washington: Cities, Coverage, and Telecom Details

Area code 253 is a significant part of Washington's telecommunications framework, primarily serving the southern Puget Sound region. Established on April 27, 1997, following a split from area code 206, it covers numerous cities and provides essential services for both residents and businesses.

Key Information about Area Code 253

  • Location: Washington State, USA
  • Implementation Date: April 27, 1997
  • Dialing Format: 10-digit dialing required for local calls

Geographic Reach: Cities in Area Code 253

Area code 253 spans a variety of cities south of Seattle, including Tacoma, which serves as a central hub. Other notable cities include Auburn, Federal Way, and Lakewood. Here's a comprehensive list of major cities within this area code:

CityLatitudeLongitude
Auburn47.30732-122.22845
East Hill-Meridian47.41052-122.17369
Federal Way47.32232-122.31262
Lakewood47.17176-122.51846
Parkland47.15538-122.43401
Puyallup47.18538-122.2929
South Hill47.14121-122.27012
Spanaway47.10399-122.43457
Tacoma47.25288-122.44429
University Place47.23565-122.5504

Telecom Services and Major Carriers

Area code 253 supports a wide range of telecommunications services, including landline, wireless, and VoIP. Several major carriers operate within this area, providing robust network infrastructure to meet the needs of its diverse population.

Regulatory Framework

The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) oversees the regulatory aspects of area code 253. The area code is part of a broader framework that includes area code 564, which was introduced to address growing demand. Learn more about NANPA regulations.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

  • April 27, 1997: Area code 253 was officially created, splitting from area code 206 to accommodate the region's expanding telecommunications needs.
  • 2017: Area code 564 was introduced to ensure continued service capability as demand increased.

Conclusion

Area code 253 is integral to Washington's telecommunications landscape, serving a dynamic and growing region. As demand for numbers continues to rise, the area's infrastructure and regulatory measures are poised to adapt, ensuring reliable communication services.

For more detailed information, visit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or explore more about area codes in Washington.


Frequently Asked Questions

What area code is Tacoma, Washington in?

Tacoma, Washington is in area code 253.

When was area code 253 created in Washington State?

Area code 253 was created on April 27, 1997, as a split from area code 206.

What cities are covered by area code 253?

Area code 253 covers cities south of Seattle, including Tacoma, Auburn, Federal Way, Lakewood, Puyallup, and others.

What is the dialing format for area code 253?

10-digit dialing (including the area code) is required for all calls within area code 253.

Why was area code 253 created?

Area code 253 was created due to the increasing demand for phone numbers in the Puget Sound region, which area code 206 could no longer accommodate.

What area code was introduced as an overlay for 253?

Area code 564 was added as an overlay to area code 253 in 2017 to address the growing need for phone numbers.

What is the latitude and longitude of Auburn, WA in area code 253?

Auburn, WA, in area code 253 is located at approximately 47.30732 latitude and -122.22845 longitude.

Who regulates area code 253?

The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) oversees the regulatory aspects of area code 253.

What types of telecommunication services are available in area code 253?

Area code 253 supports landline, wireless, and VoIP services.

Where can I find more information about area codes and NANPA regulations?

You can find more details on the NANPA website (nationalnanpa.com) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website (fcc.gov).

What is the historical context of area code 253 in Washington?

Originally part of area code 206, area code 253 was established on April 27, 1997. Later, area code 564 was added as an overlay in 2017 to accommodate growth.

What cities are in area code 253 Washington?

Area code 253 primarily covers cities south of Seattle in Washington state. Major cities include Tacoma, Auburn, Federal Way, Lakewood, Puyallup, and University Place. The area code was created in 1997 to accommodate the growing population and communication needs in the southern Puget Sound region.

When was area code 253 created?

Area code 253 was implemented on April 27, 1997. It was split from the existing area code 206, which was struggling to meet the increasing demand for phone numbers in the rapidly growing Puget Sound area. The split helped ensure continued service capability.

Why does Washington have area code 253?

Area code 253 was created to handle the increasing demand for phone numbers in the southern Puget Sound region of Washington. It was split off from area code 206 on April 27, 1997, as the population and telecommunication needs of the region grew. This split ensured enough phone numbers were available for residents and businesses.

How to dial a number in area code 253?

Ten-digit dialing is required for all local calls within area code 253. This means you must dial the area code (253) followed by the seven-digit phone number, even when calling within the same area code. This dialing format has been in place since the area code's creation.

What area code is Tacoma Washington?

Tacoma, Washington is located in area code 253. This area code covers a significant portion of the southern Puget Sound region and was established on April 27, 1997. Tacoma serves as a central hub within this area code.

What is the area code 253 overlay 564?

Area code 564 is an overlay for area code 253. Introduced in 2017, it serves the same geographic area as 253. The introduction of 564 ensures a continued supply of telephone numbers as the region continues to grow. Both area codes require 10-digit dialing for local calls.

What is the NANPA and area code 253?

The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) oversees the regulatory aspects of area code 253 in Washington state. NANPA manages the allocation and assignment of area codes across North America to ensure efficient and organized telephone numbering.

Can I still get a 253 area code number?

While area code 253 is still in use, new numbers may be assigned with the overlay area code 564. This overlay, implemented in 2017, serves the same geographic region and helps meet the ongoing demand for phone numbers.

How to find more information about area code 253 regulations?

For more information on area code 253 regulations, you can visit the websites of the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These resources offer details on area code assignments, regulations, and other telecommunication-related information.

When should I use 10-digit dialing for area code 253?

You should always use 10-digit dialing for any calls within area code 253, including local calls. This means dialing both the area code and the seven-digit phone number. This practice has been in place since the area code's inception in 1997 and is also required for calls to and from the overlay area code 564.

What is the history of area code 253?

Area code 253 was created on April 27, 1997, as a result of a split from area code 206. It was established to address the growing demand for phone numbers in the southern Puget Sound region. Later, area code 564 was implemented as an overlay to 253 in 2017 to further accommodate the region's increasing communication needs.