Area Code 206: Comprehensive Guide to Seattle's Iconic Code
Area code 206 is a key telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), primarily serving Seattle, Washington, and its closest suburbs.
Where is Area Code 206 Located?
Area code 206 covers the city of Seattle and its immediate suburbs, including Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Mercer Island, Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, and parts of metropolitan Seattle from Des Moines to Woodway. It is a crucial component of Washington State's telecommunications framework.
Technical Specifications of Area Code 206
- NPA Code: 206
- Type: Single
- Implementation Date: 1947
- State: Washington
Geographic Coverage
Area code 206 is geographically centered around Seattle and includes:
- Seattle: 47.60621, -122.33207
- Shoreline: 47.75565, -122.34152
- Mercer Island: 47.57065, -122.22207
- Bainbridge Island: 47.62621, -122.52124
- Des Moines: 47.40177, -122.32429
- Burien: 47.47038, -122.34679
- White Center: 47.51732, -122.35485
Numbering Statistics
- Total Numbers Available: Approximately 7.8 million
- Utilization Rate: 75%
- Exhaust Projection: 2025
Network Infrastructure
Major Carriers
- AT&T: 30%
- Verizon: 25%
- T-Mobile: 20%
- CenturyLink: 15%
- Others: 10%
Types of Services
- Landline
- Wireless
- VoIP
Regulatory Framework
- Regulatory Body: Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC)
- Dialing Requirements: Ten-digit dialing mandatory since 2017
- NANPA Regulations: Area code 564 overlay approved for 206, effective before 2025
Historical Milestones
- 1947: Area code 206 was one of the original North American area codes.
- 1957: Area code 509 was assigned to the eastern two-thirds of Washington.
- 1995: Area code 360 was created from the western part of 206.
- 1997: Area code 206 was split into 206, 253, and 425.
- 2023: WUTC approved the overlay of area code 564 for 206.
Conclusion
Area code 206 continues to be a vital telecommunications identifier for Seattle and its surrounding suburbs. With its rich history and significant role in the region's telecommunications infrastructure, it adapts to meet the growing demand for phone numbers and services. For more information, visit the North American Numbering Plan Administration.