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Understanding Area Code 404: Atlanta's Key Telephone Code
Explore Atlanta's area code 404, a vital NANP code established in 1947. Discover its geographic coverage within I-285, overlay status, and utilization of 7.92 million numbers. Understand its regulatory oversight by the Georgia Public Service Commission and its historical context, including the 943 overlay implemented in 2022.
Understanding Area Code 404: Atlanta's Key Telephone Code
Area code 404 is an integral part of Atlanta, Georgia's telecommunications landscape. This guide will provide comprehensive insights into its coverage, history, and the services it supports.
What is Area Code 404?
Area code 404 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that primarily covers the city of Atlanta and its immediate suburbs. Established in 1947, it is one of the original area codes and remains vital to the region's communication infrastructure.
Geographic Coverage of Area Code 404
Area code 404 serves the bustling city of Atlanta and its nearby suburbs within the perimeter of Interstate 285.
Major Cities in Area Code 404
- Atlanta, Georgia (33.749, -84.38798)
- Candler-McAfee, Georgia (33.72672, -84.27246)
- College Park, Georgia (33.65344, -84.44937)
- East Point, Georgia (33.67955, -84.43937)
- Forest Park, Georgia (33.62205, -84.36909)
- Sandy Springs, Georgia (33.92427, -84.37854)
- Tucker, Georgia (33.85455, -84.21714)
Technical Details and Infrastructure
NPA Code and Overlay
- NPA Code: 404
- Type: Overlay
- Implementation Date: 1947
Network Infrastructure
Major carriers operating within area code 404 include:
- AT&T Inc. (formerly BellSouth)
- Verizon
- T-Mobile
- Sprint
These carriers provide various services such as landline, wireless, and VoIP.
Numbering and Utilization
- Total Numbers Available: Approximately 7.92 million (792 central offices)
- Utilization Rate: High, nearing exhaustion
- Exhaust Projection: 2022 (with the introduction of NPA 943)
Regulatory Information
Area code 404 is regulated by the Georgia Public Service Commission. The region requires ten-digit dialing, complying with standard NANPA regulations and number pooling.
Historical Context
- 1947: Area code 404 was established as one of the original area codes in the NANP.
- 1954: Southern Georgia was reassigned to area code 912.
- 1992: Northern Georgia was reassigned to area code 706.
- 1995: Atlanta suburbs were reassigned to area code 770.
- 1998: Area code 678 was introduced as an overlay.
- 2001: Area code 470 was added to the overlay.
- 2022: Area code 943 was added to the overlay.
Conclusion
Area code 404 is a cornerstone of Atlanta's telecommunication network, reflecting both historical significance and modern demands. As the population and technology continue to evolve, new area codes are introduced to meet the growing needs.
For more information, visit the North American Numbering Plan Administrator.
Explore More
By understanding area code 404, residents and businesses can better navigate Atlanta's dynamic communication environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Atlanta suburbs are covered by area code 404?
Area code 404 primarily covers the city of Atlanta itself and its immediate suburbs inside Interstate 285. Some examples include Candler-McAfee, College Park, East Point, Forest Park, Sandy Springs, and Tucker.
When was area code 404 established, and what is its significance?
Area code 404 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area codes. It represents a significant part of Atlanta's telecommunications history and infrastructure.
Why were new area codes introduced in Atlanta alongside 404?
Due to population growth and increased demand for phone numbers, overlay area codes like 678, 470, and 943 were added to supplement the existing 404 area code.
What is the NPA code for Atlanta, and what type of area code is it?
The NPA code is 404. It's an overlay area code, meaning it shares geographic coverage with other area codes like 678, 470, and 943.
Which major telecommunication carriers operate within Atlanta's area code 404?
Major carriers in area code 404 include AT&T Inc., Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint, offering various services such as landline, wireless, and VoIP.
What is the geographic coverage of area code 404 in terms of coordinates?
While 404 covers Atlanta and its inner suburbs, Atlanta itself is located at approximately 33.749 latitude and -84.38798 longitude. Surrounding areas within the I-285 perimeter also fall under 404.
What is 10-digit dialing, and why is it required in Atlanta?
10-digit dialing requires callers to dial both the area code and the seven-digit phone number. It's necessary due to the presence of multiple overlay area codes within the same geographic region.
What is the approximate number of available phone numbers within area code 404?
There are approximately 7.92 million potential phone numbers within area code 404, based on 792 central office prefixes.
Where can I find more information about area code 404 and related regulations?
You can find more information at the Georgia Public Service Commission website and the North American Numbering Plan Administrator website.
How has the area code map of Georgia changed around Atlanta over time?
Originally, 404 covered a larger area. Over time, new area codes like 912 (1954 for southern Georgia), 706 (1992 for northern Georgia), and 770 (1995 for Atlanta suburbs) were introduced to accommodate growth.
When were area codes 678, 470, and 943 introduced as overlays to 404?
Area code 678 was introduced in 1998, 470 in 2001, and 943 was added in 2022.
What does it mean when an area code is nearing exhaustion?
Nearing exhaustion means that almost all available phone number combinations within that area code have been assigned. This necessitates the introduction of new area codes.
What does the term NPA stand for in telecommunications?
NPA stands for Numbering Plan Area. It is a three-digit code that precedes the seven-digit phone number and represents a specific geographic region.
What is area code 404 for?
Area code 404 is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) telephone area code primarily serving Atlanta, Georgia, and its immediate suburbs. Established in 1947, it's one of the original area codes and remains essential for the region's communication infrastructure.
Where is area code 404 located geographically?
Area code 404 covers the city of Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs within Interstate 285. This includes areas like Candler-McAfee, College Park, East Point, Forest Park, Sandy Springs, and Tucker.
How many phone numbers are available in area code 404?
Area code 404 has approximately 7.92 million available phone numbers, based on 792 central offices. However, due to high utilization, the area code has neared exhaustion, leading to the introduction of overlay codes like 678, 470, and 943.
Why does Atlanta have so many area codes?
Atlanta's multiple area codes (404, 678, 470, 943) are due to population growth and increased demand for phone numbers. As the original 404 neared exhaustion, overlays were implemented starting in 1998 with 678 to accommodate the need.
When was area code 404 created?
Area code 404 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan area codes. It initially covered a larger area of Georgia, but portions were later reassigned to area codes 912 and 706.
How to dial a number in area code 404?
Ten-digit dialing is required for all calls within area code 404, including local calls. This complies with NANPA regulations and number pooling practices in the region.
What is the overlay area code for 404?
Area code 404 has multiple overlay codes: 678 (introduced in 1998), 470 (added in 2001), and most recently, 943 (added in 2022). These overlays help manage the high demand for phone numbers within the 404 region.
What area code is Atlanta besides 404?
In addition to the original 404, Atlanta uses overlay area codes 678, 470, and 943. These were introduced over time to address the increasing demand for phone numbers due to population and technology growth.
What is the area code for Sandy Springs Georgia?
Sandy Springs, Georgia, is included within the 404 area code, along with several other Atlanta suburbs. Due to the high utilization of numbers, it may also be served by overlay codes such as 678, 470, or 943.
Who regulates area code 404?
Area code 404 is regulated by the Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC), which oversees telecommunications services in the state. The GPSC ensures compliance with NANPA regulations, including ten-digit dialing and number pooling.
When did area code 943 overlay 404?
Area code 943 was introduced as an overlay to 404 in 2022. This addition reflects the continuing high demand for phone numbers in the Atlanta area, even with existing overlays like 678 and 470.
What major carriers operate in area code 404?
Major telecommunications carriers operating within area code 404 include AT&T (formerly BellSouth), Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint. They offer a range of services including landline, wireless, and VoIP.