Area Code 214: Comprehensive Guide to Dallas's Telephone Network
Quick Facts: Area code 214 is a crucial part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and primarily serves the Dallas, Texas area.
What is Area Code 214?
Area code 214 is one of the original area codes established in 1947 under the North American Numbering Plan. It serves the Dallas region in Texas and is an overlay area code, meaning it shares its geographic area with other area codes.
Key Attributes
- NPA Code: 214
- Type: Overlay
- Implemented: 1947
- State: Texas
Geographic Coverage of Area Code 214
Area code 214 extensively covers the Dallas, Texas region, including a variety of cities and towns. This makes it a pivotal part of the local telecommunications infrastructure.
Major Cities Covered by Area Code 214
- Dallas: The heart of this area code, Dallas is a major city with a robust economy and diverse population.
- Plano: Known for its corporate headquarters and business-friendly environment.
- Irving: Home to several Fortune 500 companies and a significant economic hub.
- Garland: Offers a mix of residential and commercial areas.
- Richardson: Known for its telecom corridor, supporting many technology companies.
Usage and Numbering
Availability and Utilization
- Total Numbers Available: 7,920,000
- Utilization Rate: 75%
- Projected Exhaust Date: 2032
The area code's utilization rate indicates a healthy availability of numbers, supporting ongoing growth in the region.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Leading Carriers
- AT&T: 40% market share
- Verizon: 30% market share
- T-Mobile: 20% market share
- Sprint: 10% market share
Offered Services
- Landline: Traditional phone services.
- Wireless: Mobile phone services.
- VoIP: Internet-based phone services.
Regulatory Information
Area code 214 is regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which ensures compliance with the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) standards. This includes mandatory ten-digit dialing due to the overlay system.
Historical Timeline
- 1947: Area code 214 was established.
- 1954: Tarrant County split to form area code 817.
- 1990: Eastern areas split to form area code 903.
- 1996: Further division created area code 972.
- 1999: Area code 469 introduced as an overlay.
- 2021: Area code 945 added as an additional overlay.
Conclusion
Area code 214 remains a vital component of Dallas's telecommunications landscape. With its robust infrastructure and regulatory oversight, it continues to meet the demands of the region's growing population and technological advancements. For more detailed information, visit the North American Numbering Plan Administration website.
Additional Resources
For further insights into other area codes and telecommunications topics, check out our related articles.