Frequently Asked Questions
Boise, Idaho uses area code 208, which is the primary area code for the entire state.
Area code 986 was implemented as an overlay to 208 in 2017 to address the increasing demand for phone numbers and prevent exhaustion of the existing 208 area code.
An overlay means two area codes (in this case, 208 and 986) serve the same geographic region, allowing for more phone numbers within a limited area.
Mandatory 10-digit dialing began in Idaho on August 5, 2017, due to the implementation of the 986 overlay.
The IPUC regulates area code 208, ensuring compliance with North American Numbering Plan (NANP) guidelines and overseeing telecommunications services within the state.
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is covered by area code 208, the primary area code for the state.
All major cities in Idaho, including Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Moscow, Twin Falls, and Caldwell, use area code 208.
Area code 208 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area codes.
Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and CenturyLink provide service within area code 208 in Idaho.
Area code 986 became active in Idaho in 2016 and mandatory 10-digit dialing was implemented in 2017.
The combined number capacity of area codes 208 and 986 is approximately 15.6 million.
Number pooling, starting in Boise in 2002 and expanding statewide in 2007, was implemented to conserve numbers and delay the exhaustion of area code 208.
Number pooling involves aggregating blocks of numbers and assigning them to carriers as needed, a strategy used in Idaho to conserve numbers and extend the lifespan of area code 208.
Idaho's primary area code is 208. It's been in use since 1947 when it was one of the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area codes established. This code is essential for routing calls within the state.
While Idaho primarily uses 208, it technically has two area codes: 208 and 986. 986 was added as an overlay in 2017 to accommodate the state's growing population and increasing demand for phone numbers. This overlay helps prevent number exhaustion.
You must dial the area code 208 along with the seven-digit phone number, even for local calls within the same area code. This 10-digit dialing has been mandatory since August 5, 2017, due to the implementation of the 986 overlay.
Area code 986 is an overlay for area code 208 in Idaho. It covers the same geographic area and was implemented in 2017 to address the increasing need for phone numbers. Both area codes serve the entire state.
Area code 208, along with overlay 986, covers the entire state of Idaho. Major cities within this area code include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Moscow, Twin Falls, and Caldwell.
You should always use 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) for all calls in Idaho, regardless of whether it's a local call or not. This practice became mandatory on August 5, 2017, with the introduction of the 986 overlay.
Number pooling was implemented in Idaho to maximize the use of available phone numbers under area code 208. By assigning smaller blocks of numbers to carriers as needed instead of large, potentially unused blocks, it helped delay the need for an overlay. Statewide pooling began in 2007.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) regulates area code 208 and telecommunications services in Idaho. They ensure compliance with NANPA guidelines and oversee matters like rates, service quality, and consumer protection.
Area code 208 was established in 1947 as one of the original area codes under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It has served the entire state of Idaho since its inception.
No, you cannot make calls using only 7 digits in Idaho. 10-digit dialing (area code + number) has been mandatory since August 5, 2017, due to the implementation of the 986 overlay.
Area code 208, combined with the 986 overlay, supports approximately 15.6 million phone numbers. The overlay was introduced to increase capacity and prevent number exhaustion.
An overlay means two area codes serve the same geographic region. In Idaho, 986 overlays 208, meaning both area codes cover the entire state. This allows for more phone numbers within the same area.
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Area Code 208: Idaho's Complete Telecommunications Guide
Introduction
Area code 208 serves as Idaho's original and primary telephone area code, covering the entire state since 1947. Complemented by its overlay code 986 since 2017, the 208/986 system supports Idaho's growing communication needs across diverse landscapes, from Boise's bustling tech corridors to remote mountain communities. This guide provides essential information for businesses and residents about Idaho's telecommunications infrastructure, coverage areas, and modern communication options.
Geographic Coverage and State Overview
Area code 208, along with overlay 986, provides comprehensive coverage across Idaho's entire 83,569 square miles, making it unique among U.S. area codes for serving an entire state.
Major Cities and Business Centers
Complete Coverage Areas
Northern Idaho: Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, Lewiston, Moscow, Grangeville
Central Idaho: Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Mountain Home, McCall
Eastern Idaho: Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Rexburg, Blackfoot, American Falls
Southern Idaho: Twin Falls, Burley, Jerome, Gooding, Hailey, Sun Valley
Telecommunications Infrastructure (2025)
Primary Service Providers
Major Carriers Operating Statewide:
Regional and Specialized Providers:
Service Types Available
Business Communications:
Residential Services:
Advanced Features:
Area Code System and Dialing Requirements
Technical Specifications
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
Implementation Timeline:
Dialing Requirements:
Business Considerations
Advantages of Idaho Numbers:
Historical Development and Evolution
Timeline of Major Changes
Why an Overlay Was Necessary
Idaho's unique position as one of few states with a single area code became unsustainable due to:
The overlay approach preserved existing numbers while providing capacity for future growth without requiring customers to change their established phone numbers.
Business Applications and Industry Focus
Key Industries Using Idaho Numbers
Technology Sector: Boise's growing tech industry, including software development, cybersecurity, and data centers, benefits from local 208/986 numbers for customer trust and regional presence.
Healthcare Networks: Major hospital systems and medical practices across the state use Idaho numbers for patient communication and inter-facility coordination.
Agriculture and Food Processing: Idaho's agricultural economy relies on local numbers for farmer-to-processor communications and supply chain coordination.
Tourism and Hospitality: Resort areas like Sun Valley and Coeur d'Alene use local numbers to establish regional authenticity and customer connection.
Education and Research: Universities, colleges, and research institutions, including Idaho National Laboratory, maintain extensive telecommunications networks.
Getting an Idaho Number for Your Business
Modern Communication Options
VoIP and Cloud Solutions
Idaho businesses increasingly adopt cloud-based communications for:
5G and High-Speed Internet
Recent infrastructure investments provide:
Regulatory Environment
Idaho Public Utilities Commission Oversight
The IPUC regulates telecommunications services ensuring:
Federal Compliance
Idaho telecommunications operate under:
Future Outlook and Planning
Capacity Management
The 208/986 overlay system provides sufficient number capacity through approximately 2040, supporting:
Infrastructure Development
Ongoing improvements include:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I choose between 208 and 986 for a new number?
A: Number assignment depends on availability from your chosen provider. Both codes serve identical geographic areas with the same local calling features.
Q: Do I need to dial the area code for local calls?
A: Yes, all calls within Idaho require 10-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number) since August 2017.
Q: Are there any differences between 208 and 986 numbers?
A: No functional differences exist. Both codes provide identical coverage, features, and calling capabilities.
Q: Can businesses use Idaho numbers for operations outside the state?
A: Yes, number portability and VoIP technology enable businesses to maintain Idaho numbers regardless of physical location.
Conclusion
Area code 208, supported by overlay 986, continues to serve Idaho's diverse telecommunications needs from urban tech hubs to remote mountain communities. The overlay system ensures adequate number capacity while preserving established business relationships and local identity.
For current number availability and specific service options, contact telecommunications providers directly or visit the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for regulatory information.
Information verified as of Aug 2025. Contact service providers for the most current rates and availability.