Area Code 217: Comprehensive Guide to Central Illinois Coverage

Area Code 217: Comprehensive Guide to Central Illinois Coverage

Area code 217 is a vital part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), covering central Illinois, including major cities like Springfield, Champaign, and Urbana.

What is Area Code 217?

Area code 217 is a telephone area code in the state of Illinois, primarily serving the central region. It was one of the original area codes established in 1947, and it continues to play a crucial role in the region's telecommunications framework. The overlay with area code 447, introduced in 2021, ensures that there is a sufficient supply of phone numbers.

Geographic Coverage of Area Code 217

Area code 217 encompasses a significant portion of central Illinois, including the state's capital, Springfield. Here are the major cities covered:

  • Champaign, IL: Latitude 40.11642, Longitude -88.24338
  • Charleston, IL: Latitude 39.49615, Longitude -88.17615
  • Danville, IL: Latitude 40.12448, Longitude -87.63002
  • Decatur, IL: Latitude 39.84031, Longitude -88.9548
  • Quincy, IL: Latitude 39.9356, Longitude -91.40987
  • Springfield, IL: Latitude 39.80172, Longitude -89.64371
  • Urbana, IL: Latitude 40.11059, Longitude -88.20727

Technical Specifications and Implementation

Basic Technical Details

  • NPA Code: 217
  • Type: Overlay (with area code 447)
  • Original Implementation Date: 1947
  • Overlay Implementation Date: 2021
  • State: Illinois

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Major Carriers

  • AT&T
  • Verizon
  • T-Mobile

Services Offered

  • Landline
  • Wireless
  • VoIP

Regulatory Framework

The Illinois Commerce Commission oversees the regulation of area code 217. With the introduction of area code 447 as an overlay, ten-digit dialing became mandatory for local calls. This change ensures compliance with NANPA regulations and maintains a steady supply of numbers.

Historical Context of Area Code 217

Key Milestones

  • 1947: Area code 217 was established as one of the original North American area codes.
  • 1951: Boundary adjustments shifted most of the southern portion of Metro East to area code 618.
  • 1956: The northern section merged with part of area code 815 to create area code 309.
  • 2021: Area code 447 was introduced as an overlay to meet growing demand.

Numbering and Utilization

  • Total Numbers Available: Comprehensive data not provided.
  • Utilization Rate: Information pending.
  • Exhaust Projection: To be updated.

Conclusion

Area code 217 remains a cornerstone of telecommunications in central Illinois. The overlay with area code 447 ensures that the region can support its growing population and businesses with ample phone numbers. For more details, you can visit the Illinois Commerce Commission or the official Wikipedia page on area code 217.


This guide provides a detailed overview of area code 217, answering common questions about its coverage, history, and regulatory framework. Whether you're a resident or a business owner in central Illinois, understanding these details can help you navigate the telecommunications landscape effectively.