Frequently Asked Questions
Area code 206 covers Seattle and surrounding suburbs, including Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Mercer Island, Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, and parts of metropolitan Seattle from Des Moines to Woodway.
Area code 206 is a single, non-overlay code implemented in 1947 in Washington state. Its Numbering Plan Area (NPA) code is 206.
Area code 206 was implemented in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes.
The projected exhaustion date for area code 206 before the overlay was 2025.
The overlay area code for 206 is 564, implemented in 2023.
Area code 564 was introduced as an overlay for 206 to address the growing demand for phone numbers and prevent number exhaustion.
Mandatory 10-digit dialing began in 2017 for area code 206 in anticipation of the area code overlay.
There are approximately 7.8 million phone numbers available in area code 206.
The estimated utilization rate for area code 206 is approximately 75%.
Major carriers in area code 206 include AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and CenturyLink.
Area code 206 supports traditional landlines, wireless mobile services, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) oversees telecommunications services in area code 206.
Area code 509 was split in 1957, area code 360 in 1995, and area codes 253 and 425 were split in 1997.
Area code 206 was established in 1947 and originally served the entire state of Washington.
Area code 206 primarily covers Seattle and its surrounding suburbs, including Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Mercer Island, Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, and parts of metropolitan Seattle stretching from Des Moines to Woodway. Historically, there was controversy about some areas being excluded from 206, leading to reintegration efforts to maintain regional identity.
Seattle uses area code 206 because it was assigned in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes. It initially covered the entire state but has been divided over time due to population growth and increasing demand for phone numbers. The 206 code remains a significant part of Seattle's identity.
You must dial the full 10-digit number, including the 206 area code, even for local calls within the 206 area. Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in 2017 in preparation for the 564 area code overlay.
Ten-digit dialing (including the 206 area code) is mandatory for all calls to and within the 206 area code. This requirement was implemented in 2017 in anticipation of the 564 area code overlay in 2023.
The area code overlay for 206 is 564. This means both area codes serve the same geographic region. It was implemented in 2023 due to the increasing demand for phone numbers and the projected exhaustion of available 206 numbers.
With the 564 overlay implemented in 2023, area code 206 is prepared for future growth and increased demand for phone numbers. This overlay allows for continued expansion within the region without disrupting existing services.
Originally covering all of Washington, 206 was first split in 1957 with 509 assigned to the eastern part of the state. In 1995, 360 was created from the western portion. Further, in 1997, 206 was split into 253 and 425. In 2023, overlay area code 564 was added.
Approximately 7.8 million phone numbers are available in area code 206. As of the article's writing, the utilization rate is estimated at 75%, highlighting the need for the 564 overlay.
Area code 564 was implemented in 2023 as an overlay to area code 206. This new area code serves the same geographic region as 206, requiring 10-digit dialing for all calls in the area.
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) regulates telecommunications services within Washington state, including area code 206. They oversee dialing requirements, area code assignments, and other regulatory aspects.
Major carriers in area code 206 include AT&T (estimated 30% market share), Verizon (25%), T-Mobile (20%), CenturyLink (15%), and other smaller carriers (10% combined).
Area code 206 supports traditional landlines, wireless mobile services (the dominant type), and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). This range caters to diverse communication needs and technological preferences.
Area code 206 was created in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes. It initially covered the entire state of Washington before being split into additional area codes over the following decades.
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