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Sent TeamMay 3, 2025 / area code / Article

Comprehensive Guide to Area Code 401: Rhode Island's Exclusive Telephone Code

Area Code 401 exclusively serves Rhode Island; established in 1947 under NANP. Explore its geographic scope from Providence (41.82399, -71.41283) to Woonsocket (42.00288, -71.51478). Covers landline, wireless, VoIP; projected exhaust date 2055. 10-digit dialing required.

Comprehensive Guide to Area Code 401: Rhode Island's Exclusive Telephone Code

Area Code 401 is the sole telephone area code serving the entire state of Rhode Island. As a part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), it was established in 1947 and remains one of the original area codes still in use today. This article delves into its geographic coverage, technical specifications, regulatory framework, and future projections.

Quick Facts About Area Code 401

  • NPA Code: 401
  • Type: Single
  • Implementation Date: 1947
  • State: Rhode Island
  • Projected Exhaust Date: 2055

Geographic Coverage of Area Code 401

Area Code 401 encompasses the entire state of Rhode Island, covering all major cities and towns. Here are some of the prominent cities within this area code:

  • Bristol: Latitude 41.67705, Longitude -71.26616
  • Cranston: Latitude 41.77982, Longitude -71.43728
  • East Providence: Latitude 41.81371, Longitude -71.37005
  • Newport East: Latitude 41.51579, Longitude -71.28752
  • North Providence: Latitude 41.8501, Longitude -71.46617
  • Pawtucket: Latitude 41.87871, Longitude -71.38256
  • Providence: Latitude 41.82399, Longitude -71.41283
  • West Warwick: Latitude 41.69689, Longitude -71.52194
  • Woonsocket: Latitude 42.00288, Longitude -71.51478

Numbering Statistics and Projections

While specific data on the total numbers available and utilization rate is not specified, Area Code 401 is projected to remain sufficient for the region's needs until 2055.

Network Infrastructure and Services

Area Code 401 supports a variety of telecommunications services, including:

  • Landline
  • Wireless
  • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

Major Carriers

[Details about major carriers and their market share percentages placeholder]

Regulatory Framework and Dialing Requirements

Area Code 401 is governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For local calls, 10-digit dialing is required. The area code complies with all NANP guidelines and regulations.

Historical Milestones of Area Code 401

  • 1947: Area Code 401 was established as one of the original area codes in North America.
  • 2055: Projected exhaust date, indicating no new area codes are expected to be needed until then.

Conclusion

Area Code 401 is integral to Rhode Island's communication infrastructure, maintaining its status as the state's sole area code since its inception. It continues to meet the region's telecommunication needs effectively, with a long-term projection of sufficiency.

For more detailed information on dialing patterns and regulations, visit the FCC's official site. For additional insights on area codes and telecommunications, explore our related articles on telecom regulations and numbering plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What area code is used for the entire state of Rhode Island?

Area code 401 is the sole area code serving the entire state of Rhode Island.

When was area code 401 established for Rhode Island?

Area code 401 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes.

When is area code 401 expected to run out of numbers?

Area code 401 is projected to be sufficient until 2055.

What are the major cities covered by area code 401?

Major cities within area code 401 include Bristol, Cranston, East Providence, Newport East, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, West Warwick, and Woonsocket.

What types of phone services are supported by area code 401?

Area code 401 supports landline, wireless, and VoIP services.

What are the dialing requirements for making local calls within area code 401?

10-digit dialing (including the area code) is required for local calls within area code 401.

Which regulatory body oversees area code 401?

Area code 401 is governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and adheres to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) guidelines.

What is the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) in relation to area code 401?

The NANP is a standardized numbering plan used in North America, and area code 401 is a part of this plan.

Where can I find the latitude and longitude coordinates for cities within area code 401?

The article provides latitude and longitude coordinates for several major cities within area code 401, including Providence, Cranston, and Newport East.

Why is area code 401 considered a 'single' area code?

Area code 401 is considered a 'single' area code because it serves the entire state of Rhode Island without any overlays or splits.

Are there any plans to introduce additional area codes in Rhode Island?

Currently, no new area codes are planned for Rhode Island. Area code 401 is projected to suffice until 2055.

What is the NPA code for Rhode Island?

The NPA (Numbering Plan Area) code for Rhode Island is 401.

Where can I find more information about the NANP regulations related to area code 401?

You can find more information about NANP regulations on the official website of the North American Numbering Plan Administration.

What area code is used in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island uses area code 401 exclusively. This single area code covers the entire state and has been in place since 1947, making it one of the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP) codes.

How to dial a 401 number from another area code?

You need to dial 1 followed by 401 and then the seven-digit local number for all calls to a 401 number, even within Rhode Island. This 10-digit dialing is mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

What services are available under area code 401?

Area code 401 supports various telecommunication services, including traditional landlines, wireless mobile phones, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. The article does not specify market share details for individual carriers.

When will Rhode Island need a new area code?

Area code 401 is projected to be sufficient until 2055. This means no additional area codes are anticipated for Rhode Island until at least that year, according to current projections.

What cities are covered by area code 401?

All cities and towns in Rhode Island are covered by area code 401. This includes major cities like Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Newport East, East Providence, Bristol, and West Warwick.

Why does Rhode Island only have one area code?

Rhode Island's relatively small geographic size and population allow it to be served by a single area code. While the exact utilization rate isn't provided, area code 401 is projected to suffice until 2055.

When was area code 401 established?

Area code 401 was established in 1947. It was one of the original area codes implemented as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).

What is the area code for Providence, Rhode Island?

The area code for Providence, Rhode Island, is 401. This area code covers the entire state of Rhode Island.

What is the North American Numbering Plan?

Area code 401 is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), a system that assigns area codes to specific geographic regions in North America. The NANP governs dialing procedures and ensures consistent communication across the continent.

Where can I find details about 401 area code regulations?

For specific information regarding 401 area code regulations, you can visit the official websites of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA).

How to determine the area code for a Rhode Island phone number?

All phone numbers within Rhode Island will have the 401 area code. As the state only has one area code, identifying it is straightforward.