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Area Code 406: Everything You Need to Know About Montana's Exclusive Phone Code
Area code 406 exclusively serves Montana, established in 1947. Explore its coverage including Billings (45.78?? N), Bozeman (45.67?? N), and major carriers like AT&T. Understand number pooling, the transition to 10-digit dialing in 2021, and projected number availability until 2031.
Area Code 406: Everything You Need to Know About Montana's Exclusive Phone Code
<Callout type="info"> Area code 406 is the exclusive area code for the state of Montana, established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). </Callout>What is Area Code 406 and Where is it Used?
Area code 406 is the only area code serving the entire state of Montana. It covers both urban centers and rural areas, playing a crucial role in Montana's telecommunications infrastructure since its establishment in 1947.
Geographic Coverage and Major Cities
Geographic Reach
- State: Montana
- Type: Sole area code for the entire state
Major Cities Within Area Code 406
- Billings: Latitude 45.78329, Longitude -108.50069
- Bozeman: Latitude 45.67965, Longitude -111.03856
- Butte: Latitude 46.00382, Longitude -112.53474
- Great Falls: Latitude 47.50024, Longitude -111.30081
- Helena: Latitude 46.59271, Longitude -112.03611
- Missoula: Latitude 46.87215, Longitude -113.994
These cities are key economic and cultural hubs in Montana, contributing to the diverse use of area code 406.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Major Carriers and Services
- Carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, CenturyLink
- Local Providers: Hot Springs Telephone Company, Northern Telephone Cooperative
- Services Offered: Landline, Wireless, VoIP
The telecommunications infrastructure in Montana supports a wide range of needs, ensuring robust connectivity across the state.
Numbering and Usage Statistics
- Total Numbers Available: Approximately 1.7 million lines as of 2013
- Utilization Management: Through number pooling
- Exhaust Projection: Sufficient numbers expected until 2031
Number pooling is a strategy used to manage the allocation of phone numbers efficiently, delaying the need for additional area codes.
Regulatory Information
Governing Bodies and Regulations
- Regulatory Authority: Montana Public Service Commission (PSC)
- Dialing Transition: Shifted to ten-digit dialing on October 24, 2021, due to the implementation of the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- NANPA Regulations: Number pooling is enforced for efficient resource allocation
These regulations ensure compliance with national standards while addressing local needs.
Historical Context and Milestones
- 1947: Area code 406 established
- 2013: 1.7 million lines in service
- 2021: Transition to ten-digit dialing
These milestones highlight the evolution of telecommunications in Montana, reflecting technological advancements and regulatory changes.
Conclusion
Area code 406 is a vital component of Montana's communication framework, supporting a variety of services and adhering to regulatory standards. The introduction of number pooling and ten-digit dialing enhances resource management and compliance with national guidelines.
For more detailed information, visit the official Montana Public Service Commission website.
Additional Area Code Data
| Area Code | City | State | Country | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 406 | Billings | Montana | US | 45.78329 | -108.50069 |
| 406 | Bozeman | Montana | US | 45.67965 | -111.03856 |
| 406 | Butte | Montana | US | 46.00382 | -112.53474 |
| 406 | Great Falls | Montana | US | 47.50024 | -111.30081 |
| 406 | Helena | Montana | US | 46.59271 | -112.03611 |
| 406 | Missoula | Montana | US | 46.87215 | -113.994 |
This comprehensive guide provides insights into area code 406, its historical significance, and its role in Montana's telecommunication landscape. For further exploration, access more data through the Montana Public Service Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is used for Billings, Montana?
Billings, Montana uses area code 406.
When did area code 406 transition to 10-digit dialing?
Area code 406 transitioned to mandatory 10-digit dialing on October 24, 2021.
Why did Montana implement 10-digit dialing for area code 406?
The transition to 10-digit dialing in Montana was necessary to accommodate the implementation of the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
What is the area code for the entire state of Montana?
The sole area code for the entire state of Montana is 406.
Which major cities in Montana are covered by area code 406?
Major Montana cities using area code 406 include Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula.
What is the approximate number of available phone lines in area code 406?
As of 2013, there were approximately 1.7 million available phone lines in area code 406.
How is Montana managing phone number allocation within area code 406?
Montana utilizes number pooling as a strategy to manage the allocation of phone numbers efficiently within area code 406.
When was area code 406 established?
Area code 406 was established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
What is the projected timeframe for area code 406 exhaustion?
Sufficient numbers are expected within area code 406 until approximately 2031.
Who regulates area code 406 in Montana?
The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates area code 406.
Which telecommunication companies service Montana's area code 406?
Major carriers in area code 406 include AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and CenturyLink, along with local providers like Hot Springs Telephone Company and Northern Telephone Cooperative.
What types of phone services are available in Montana under area code 406?
Area code 406 supports landline, wireless, and VoIP services.
What is the geographic reach of area code 406?
Area code 406 covers the entire state of Montana.
What area code is Montana?
Montana uses only one area code: 406. This area code covers the entire state, from major cities like Billings and Missoula to rural areas, and has been in place since 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
What major cities are in area code 406?
Area code 406 covers all of Montana, including major cities such as Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula. These cities represent significant economic and cultural centers within the state.
How many phone numbers are available in area code 406?
As of 2013, area code 406 had approximately 1.7 million available phone numbers. Montana utilizes number pooling to manage these numbers efficiently, and projections suggest sufficient numbers will be available until 2031.
Why did Montana switch to 10-digit dialing?
Montana transitioned to mandatory 10-digit dialing on October 24, 2021. This change was implemented to accommodate the new 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, ensuring both services could function effectively.
What is number pooling in area code 406?
Number pooling is a resource management strategy used in Montana to allocate phone numbers more efficiently within area code 406. This practice helps delay the need for introducing additional area codes in the state.
What telecommunication services are available in area code 406?
Area code 406 supports a range of services including landline, wireless, and VoIP. Major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile operate in the area, alongside local providers like Hot Springs Telephone Company and Northern Telephone Cooperative.
How to contact Montana Public Service Commission regarding area code 406?
You can find information and contact the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) through their official website, psc.mt.gov. They are the regulatory body responsible for overseeing telecommunications in Montana, including area code 406.
Where can I find the latitude and longitude for cities in Montana area code 406?
The article provides latitude and longitude coordinates for major Montana cities within area code 406, including Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula. This information helps identify their precise locations.
What is the future outlook for area code 406?
With the implementation of number pooling, Montana's area code 406 is expected to have enough phone numbers to meet demand until at least 2031. The Montana Public Service Commission continues to manage the area code effectively.