What is area code 203?

Area code 203 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) for southwestern Connecticut, including cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, and Stamford.

When was area code 203 established?

Area code 203 was established in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan.

Which major cities are covered by area code 203?

Major cities covered by area code 203 include Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Norwalk, and Waterbury.

What is the utilization rate of area code 203?

The utilization rate of area code 203 is 72%, indicating a healthy balance between supply and demand.

What is the exhaust projection for area code 203?

The exhaust projection for area code 203 is 2024, meaning it is expected that the available numbers will be depleted by then.

What are the major telecom carriers in area code 203?

The major telecom carriers in area code 203 are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, with market shares of 35%, 30%, and 20% respectively.

What types of services are offered under area code 203?

Services offered under area code 203 include landline, wireless, and VoIP.

What are the dialing requirements for area code 203?

For local calls within area code 203, 10-digit dialing is required. For long distance calls, 1+10-digit dialing is needed.

Who regulates area code 203?

The Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control regulates area code 203, ensuring compliance with NANPA regulations.

Why was area code 475 introduced?

Area code 475 was introduced as an overlay to area code 203 to meet the increasing demand for phone numbers in southwestern Connecticut.

What historical milestones are associated with area code 203?

Key milestones include its establishment in 1947, the introduction of area code 860 in 1995, and the overlay with area code 475 in 2009.

How many phone numbers are available in area code 203?

There are approximately 7.8 million phone numbers available in area code 203.

What is the significance of area code 203 for Connecticut?

Area code 203 is significant for Connecticut as it supports a densely populated and economically vital region, including major cities and industries.

Is area code 203 part of the original area codes?

Yes, area code 203 is one of the original area codes established in 1947 under the North American Numbering Plan.

What impact did the introduction of area code 860 have on 203?

The introduction of area code 860 in 1995 reduced the geographic scope of area code 203.

What is the market share of other telecom carriers in area code 203?

Other telecom carriers hold a 15% market share in area code 203.

What is the geographic location of Stamford within area code 203?

Stamford is located at 41.05343°N latitude and 73.53873°W longitude within area code 203.

How does area code 203 support local businesses?

Area code 203 supports local businesses by providing robust telecommunications infrastructure necessary for business operations in a densely populated and economically vibrant area.

Area Code 203: A Comprehensive Guide to Connecticut's Key Telecom Area

Q: What is the overlay for area code 203?

Area code 203 is overlaid with area code 475 to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers.

Q: Which counties are covered by area code 203?

Area code 203 covers Fairfield County, New Haven County, and parts of Litchfield County in Connecticut.

Area code 203 is an essential part of Connecticut's telecommunications infrastructure, primarily serving the southwestern region, including major cities such as Bridgeport, New Haven, and Stamford. This guide provides in-depth information about its geographic coverage, technical specifications, and regulatory framework.

Overview of Area Code 203

Area code 203, established in 1947, is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It was one of the original area codes introduced and has since been overlaid with area code 475 to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers.

Key Features

NPA Code: 203
Type: Overlay with area code 475
Implementation Date: 1947
Region: Southwestern Connecticut

Geographic Coverage of Area Code 203

Area code 203 covers a significant portion of southwestern Connecticut, including Fairfield County, New Haven County, and parts of Litchfield County. This area is known for its dense population and economic vitality.

Major Cities Covered

Bridgeport: 41.16704°N, 73.20483°W
New Haven: 41.30815°N, 72.92816°W
Stamford: 41.05343°N, 73.53873°W
Norwalk: 41.11760°N, 73.40790°W
Waterbury: 41.55815°N, 73.05150°W

Technical Specifications and Statistics

Area code 203 has a significant number of available phone numbers, with a utilization rate that indicates a healthy balance between supply and demand.

Total Numbers Available: Approximately 7.8 million
Utilization Rate: 72%
Exhaust Projection: 2024

Major Telecom Carriers

AT&T: 35% market share
Verizon: 30% market share
T-Mobile: 20% market share
Others: 15% market share

Types of Services Offered

Landline
Wireless
VoIP

Regulatory Framework for Area Code 203

The regulatory aspects of area code 203 are managed by the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control. They ensure compliance with NANPA regulations, particularly regarding the overlay with area code 475 and the requirement for 10-digit dialing.

Dialing Requirements

Local Calls: 10-digit dialing
Long Distance Calls: 1+10-digit dialing

Historical Milestones

1947: Area code 203 was established as one of the original area codes.
1995: Area code 860 was introduced, reducing the geographic scope of 203.
2009: The introduction of area code 475 as an overlay, necessitating 10-digit dialing.

Conclusion

Area code 203 remains a vital part of Connecticut's telecommunications network, supporting a diverse and economically significant region. Its integration with area code 475 highlights the increasing demand for telecommunications services in the area. For additional details, you can visit the North American Numbering Plan Administration.

By understanding the nuances of area code 203, residents and businesses can better navigate the telecommunications landscape of southwestern Connecticut.