Frequently Asked Questions
Algonquin, IL is in area code 224, an overlay for 847 implemented on January 5, 2002.
Area code 224 became active in northeastern Illinois on January 5, 2002, as an overlay to area code 847.
Area code 224 was introduced to address phone number exhaustion in area code 847 due to population growth and rising demand for telecommunication services.
Area code 224 covers portions of Lake, Cook, Kane, and McHenry counties in northeastern Illinois.
Ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) is mandatory when calling area code 224 numbers.
Major cities covered by area code 224 include Algonquin, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Carpentersville, Des Plaines, South Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Evanston, Glenview, Gurnee, Highland Park, Hoffman Estates, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Libertyville, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Mundelein, Niles, North Chicago, Northbrook, Palatine, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Round Lake Beach, Schaumburg, Skokie, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, Wheeling, Wilmette, and Zion.
Major carriers supporting area code 224 include AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint, offering landline, wireless, and VoIP services.
Yes, area code 224 supports VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services along with traditional landline and wireless services.
Area code 224 falls under the regulatory oversight of the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA).
Number pooling is a strategy used to optimize phone number allocation. Area code 847, which 224 overlays, was part of the initial trial for number pooling in the U.S. in June 1998.
Area code 847 was created on January 20, 1996, as a split from area code 708.
Area code 224 is an overlay for 847 in northeastern Illinois. It was introduced on January 5, 2002, to address the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region and prevent number exhaustion.
Area code 224 was implemented to alleviate the shortage of phone numbers in the 847 area code region. The growing population and increased demand for telecommunication services necessitated the addition of a new area code.
Area code 224 was activated on January 5, 2002. This overlay to area code 847 was necessary due to the rapid growth and demand for phone numbers in northeastern Illinois.
Ten-digit dialing is required for all calls within the 224 and 847 area codes. This means dialing both the area code and the seven-digit phone number to ensure accurate call routing.
Area code 224 covers several major cities in northeastern Illinois, including Algonquin, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Evanston, and Schaumburg, among others. It spans parts of Lake, Cook, Kane, and McHenry counties.
Area code 224 covers portions of Lake, Cook, Kane, and McHenry counties in northeastern Illinois. This overlay for area code 847 serves a significant population and business center.
The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) is the regulatory body overseeing area code 224. They manage the allocation and assignment of phone numbers across North America, including the implementation of area code overlays.
Area code 224 supports various telecommunication services, including landline, wireless, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint offer these services to residents and businesses.
Ten-digit dialing (area code + phone number) is mandatory for area code 224 to ensure accurate call routing and support number pooling. Number pooling helps optimize number allocation and extends their availability.
Number pooling is a strategy used in area code 224 to efficiently allocate phone numbers. By assigning numbers in smaller blocks to service providers, it minimizes wasted numbers and prolongs the availability of phone numbers within the area code.
Area code 847 was introduced on January 20, 1996, as a split from area code 708. Later, area code 224 was implemented as an overlay to 847 in 2002 to address the growing need for phone numbers.
Area code 847 participated in the initial trial for telephone number pooling in the United States in June 1998. This trial paved the way for broader adoption of number pooling as a resource management strategy.
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Area Code 224: Complete Coverage Guide for Illinois Business Communications
Introduction
Area code 224 serves as a vital telecommunications overlay for northeastern Illinois, complementing area code 847 since Jan 5, 2002. This region encompasses key business districts and suburban communities across Lake, Cook, Kane, and McHenry counties, making 224 essential for companies establishing local presence in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Whether you're researching phone numbers, planning business communications, or need comprehensive coverage details, this guide provides everything you need to know about area code 224's coverage, cities, and modern telecommunications options.
Geographic Coverage and Major Cities
Area code 224 serves northeastern Illinois, including major business centers and residential communities across four counties:
Coverage by County
Major Cities and Business Centers
Complete City Coverage List
Cook County Cities: Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Evanston, Glenview, Hoffman Estates, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Palatine, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, Skokie, Wheeling, Wilmette
Lake County Cities: Antioch, Barrington, Deerfield, Gurnee, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Mundelein, North Chicago, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, Zion
Kane County Cities: Algonquin, Carpentersville, East Dundee, Elgin, Gilberts, Hampshire, Huntley, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin, West Dundee
McHenry County Cities: Cary, Crystal Lake (partial), Fox Lake, Lake in the Hills, Lakewood
Modern Telecommunications Infrastructure
Primary Carriers (2025)
Area code 224 benefits from comprehensive coverage by major telecommunications providers:
Available Service Types
Business Phone Solutions:
Residential Services:
Advanced Features Available:
Regulatory Framework and Dialing Requirements
North American Numbering Plan Compliance
Area code 224 operates under NANPA oversight, ensuring:
Business Considerations
For Companies Choosing 224 Numbers:
Historical Context and Implementation
Timeline of Area Code Changes
Why the Overlay Was Necessary
The rapid growth of telecommunications services in Chicago's northern suburbs, including:
Business Applications and Use Cases
Ideal for These Industries
Technology Companies: Strong coverage in Schaumburg, Arlington Heights tech corridors Healthcare Organizations: Major hospital systems and medical practices throughout coverage area Manufacturing: Industrial centers in Elgin, Waukegan, and surrounding areas Professional Services: Law firms, consulting, financial services in suburban business districts Retail and Hospitality: Shopping centers, restaurants, and service businesses
Getting a 224 Number for Your Business
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I keep my 224 number if I move outside the area? A: Yes, number portability allows you to maintain your 224 number with most carriers, even when relocating.
Q: Do I need to dial the area code for local calls? A: Yes, all calls within the 224/847 overlay area require 10-digit dialing (area code + number).
Q: Which area code should I choose: 224 or 847? A: Both serve the same geographic area. Choose based on availability and any personal/business preferences.
Q: Are 224 numbers available for VoIP services? A: Yes, most VoIP providers offer 224 numbers with full feature compatibility.
Conclusion
Area code 224 provides essential telecommunications coverage for northern Illinois business and residential communications. Its comprehensive carrier support, regulatory compliance, and business-friendly features make it an excellent choice for companies establishing presence in the Chicago metropolitan suburbs.
For detailed technical requirements or specific number availability, consult directly with telecommunications providers or visit the NANPA official documentation.
Last updated: Aug 2025 | For the most current carrier information and number availability, verify with individual service providers.