Frequently Asked Questions
Duluth, MN is in area code 218.
The area code for Moorhead, Minnesota is 218.
Andover, MN is located within area code 218, although this has changed over time due to shifting area code boundaries.
Area code 218 was implemented in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes.
AT&T and Verizon hold the largest market shares, approximately 35% and 30% respectively, followed by T-Mobile at 20%, and other smaller carriers making up the remaining 15%.
Area code 218 supports landline, wireless, and VoIP services.
Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in area code 218 on October 24, 2021.
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) oversees area code 218, while the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) regulates telecommunications services within the state.
According to NANPA projections, area code 218 is expected to exhaust by 2028.
The utilization rate for area code 218 is approximately 45%.
Approximately 7.92 million telephone numbers are available in area code 218.
Key milestones include its introduction in 1947, boundary adjustments in 1954, integration of the Northwest Angle in the 1990s, and the transition to ten-digit dialing in 2021.
The boundaries of area code 218 have been modified over time to optimize toll traffic routes and adapt to changing population distributions and technological advancements.
You can find more information on the official NANPA website.
Area code 218 serves northern Minnesota, covering cities like Duluth, Moorhead, and Andover. Implemented in 1947, it's one of the original North American area codes and is not currently overlaid with another code.
Area code 218 covers a large portion of northern Minnesota, including major cities like Duluth, Moorhead, and Andover. It encompasses both urban centers and rural communities, presenting unique challenges for telecommunications providers.
Major cities within area code 218 include Duluth (the largest), Moorhead (on the North Dakota border), and Andover (a Minneapolis-St. Paul suburb). These cities serve as vital hubs for economic activity and communication.
As of October 24, 2021, ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) is mandatory for all calls within area code 218. This change supports the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Area code 218 is projected to exhaust its available numbers by 2028. Ongoing monitoring and planning are crucial to address future numbering needs. Despite this, the area code is well-positioned to support current telecommunications needs with a robust infrastructure.
Area code 218 has approximately 7.92 million available phone numbers with a current utilization rate of 45%. Despite the projected exhaustion date of 2028, this suggests sufficient numbers for now.
Area code 218 supports landlines, wireless services from major carriers, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). This range of options caters to various needs and preferences.
Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in area code 218 on October 24, 2021, to accommodate the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This change was implemented nationwide.
Introduced in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes, 218 has seen boundary adjustments in 1954 and the integration of the Northwest Angle in the 1990s.
AT&T and Verizon hold the largest market share in area code 218 with approximately 35% and 30% respectively, followed by T-Mobile at 20% and other smaller carriers.
Area code 218 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes. Since then, it has undergone boundary adjustments to adapt to changing demographics and technology.
Area Code 218: Coverage, Cities, and Telecom Insights in Northern Minnesota
Overview
Area code 218 is the telephone area code serving northern Minnesota within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Established in 1947, the 218 area code connects communities across the region – from Duluth on Lake Superior to Hibbing, Moorhead, Brainerd, and Bemidji.
This comprehensive guide covers area code 218 geography, major cities, telecommunications carriers, regulatory framework, historical evolution, and future projections. Whether you're looking for coverage information, need to understand 10-digit dialing requirements, or want to obtain a 218 phone number, this resource provides authoritative details about northern Minnesota's telephone numbering system.
What is Area Code 218?
Area code 218 is a geographic telephone area code serving northern Minnesota:
Area code 218 has served northern Minnesota for over 75 years without requiring an overlay or split.
Where is Area Code 218? Geographic Coverage and Cities
Area code 218 covers northern Minnesota, spanning from the North Dakota border in the west to Lake Superior in the east, and from the Canadian border in the north to central Minnesota in the south.
What Cities Use Area Code 218?
The 218 area code includes numerous cities and towns throughout northern Minnesota:
Major Cities:
Additional Cities and Towns:
All communities across northern Minnesota use the 218 area code for local phone numbers. Cities just south of the 218 coverage area use area code 320, which serves central Minnesota including St. Cloud.
Telecom Infrastructure: Carriers and Services in Area Code 218
Telecommunications infrastructure within area code 218 provides voice, data, and internet services across northern Minnesota's expansive geography.
What Phone Carriers Operate in Area Code 218?
Multiple carriers operate within the 218 area code:
Note: Coverage and market share vary by service type and location. Contact individual carriers for detailed coverage maps in your area.
Types of Services Available
The 218 area code supports all modern telecommunications technologies:
Ten-Digit Dialing in Area Code 218: What You Need to Know
Why Does Area Code 218 Require 10-Digit Dialing?
On October 24, 2021, ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) became mandatory for all calls within area code 218. This change was required to prepare for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which launched nationwide on July 16, 2022.
The FCC designated 988 as the three-digit code on July 16, 2020, and mandated ten-digit dialing in all area codes with 988 prefixes to prevent routing conflicts. Area code 218 had telephone numbers using the 988 central office code (988-XXXX), making the transition necessary.
Recent Development (2024-2025): Wireless carriers implemented "georouting" for 988 calls in September 2024, routing callers to local crisis centers based on their physical location rather than area code. The FCC required nationwide wireless providers to comply with georouting rules by January 13, 2025, ensuring Minnesota residents reach state-based crisis resources regardless of their phone number's area code. (Source: FCC 988 Georouting Rules, October 2024)
Ten-Digit Dialing Timeline for 218 Area Code
How to dial within area code 218: Always dial the full ten digits (218 + seven-digit phone number), even for local calls.
Regulatory Framework and Changes
Three regulatory bodies oversee area code 218 at federal and state levels.
Who Regulates Area Code 218?
NANPA Compliance
Area code 218 adheres to all NANPA regulations for area code management, number allocation, and utilization reporting.
History of Area Code 218: From 1947 to Today
Understanding area code 218's evolution provides context for its current structure and coverage.
When Was Area Code 218 Created?
Area code 218 was implemented on January 1, 1947, as one of the original 86 area codes in the North American Numbering Plan. Initially, 218 covered the northern and western two-thirds of Minnesota in an L-shaped configuration, while area code 612 served the southeastern portion including the Twin Cities.
Key Historical Milestones
1947: Original implementation covering most of Minnesota except the southeast
1954: Major boundary changes restructured Minnesota's area codes:
1990s: The Northwest Angle – a geographically isolated region of Minnesota – transferred from Bell Canada's area code 807 into area code 218, ensuring all Minnesota territory used U.S. area codes
1996: Area code 320 was created from the former western portion of 612, running along the entire southern border of area code 218
2021: Ten-digit dialing became mandatory on October 24, 2021, to prepare for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
2025: Wireless georouting for 988 became mandatory on January 13, 2025, ensuring callers reach local crisis centers
Similar to other Minnesota area codes, 218 follows the same regulatory framework. For comparison, southern Minnesota's area code 507 implemented an overlay with area code 924 in 2024 when facing number exhaustion.
When Will Area Code 218 Run Out of Numbers?
Area Code 218 Exhaust Projection
According to NANPA's October 2021 exhaust analysis, area code 218 was projected to exhaust available phone numbers around 2028. Exhaust projections change based on actual utilization patterns, number conservation measures, and technology adoption rates.
Numbering Statistics (NANPA October 2021 Analysis):
Important: This projection is from 2021 data. For current exhaust projections and utilization rates, visit NANPA's NPA Reports at nanpa.com/reports/npa_reports.html. NANPA updates exhaust analyses periodically as demand patterns shift.
Why Has Area Code 218 Lasted So Long?
Northern Minnesota's low population density has allowed area code 218 to serve the region for over 75 years without requiring splits or overlays. In contrast, the Twin Cities metropolitan area experienced five area code implementations between 1996 and 2000 due to high demand.
The 2028 projection indicates area code 218 will continue serving northern Minnesota for several more years, though NANPA monitors utilization quarterly to ensure adequate numbering resources.
What Happens When 218 Runs Out of Numbers?
When area code 218 approaches exhaustion, regulators will implement relief through either:
NANPA, the FCC, and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission determine the specific relief method based on northern Minnesota's telecommunications needs and stakeholder input.
Number Conservation Measures:
Carriers implement several measures to extend numbering resources:
Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 218
What area code is 218?
Area code 218 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) serving northern Minnesota, including Duluth, Moorhead, Hibbing, and Brainerd.
Where is area code 218 located?
Area code 218 covers northern Minnesota, stretching from the North Dakota border to Lake Superior and from the Canadian border to central Minnesota.
What is the largest city in area code 218?
Duluth is the largest city in area code 218, serving as the region's primary economic and telecommunications hub on Lake Superior.
When did area code 218 start requiring 10-digit dialing?
Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in area code 218 on October 24, 2021, to accommodate the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Is area code 218 getting a new area code?
Not immediately. Area code 218 is projected to exhaust around 2028, at which point regulators will implement relief through either an overlay or geographic split.
What time zone is area code 218?
Area code 218 is in the Central Time Zone (CT).
Is 218 a toll-free area code?
No. Area code 218 is a geographic area code for northern Minnesota. Toll-free codes include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.
How do I get a 218 area code phone number?
To obtain a 218 area code phone number, contact telecommunications carriers serving northern Minnesota. Options include:
Availability depends on current number inventory. If 218 numbers are limited, carriers may offer alternative area codes or wait until numbers become available through reclamation.
Can I keep my 218 number if I move?
Yes, through wireless number portability. Federal regulations allow you to keep your 218 area code phone number when switching carriers or moving locations, with some conditions:
Note: Moving to a new area code region while keeping your 218 number may affect local calling rates with some carriers.
Conclusion
Area code 218 connects communities across northern Minnesota's telecommunications infrastructure, from Duluth to Moorhead to hundreds of smaller towns. As one of the original 1947 area codes, it has served the region for over 75 years.
Ten-digit dialing is mandatory. Numbering resources are projected to last until 2028. Area code 218 continues meeting the telecommunications needs of northern Minnesota's urban centers and rural communities.
For official area code information, visit the North American Numbering Plan Administrator at nanpa.com.
Related Minnesota Area Codes
Other Minnesota area codes and their coverage:
Understanding Minnesota's area code structure helps you identify call origins and plan telecommunications needs across the state.