Area Code 262: Coverage, Cities, and Dialing Information for Wisconsin
Area code 262 serves southeastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee suburbs. Established on September 25, 1999, it was split from area code 414.
Overview of Area Code 262
Area code 262 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) for southeastern Wisconsin. It covers significant suburban regions surrounding Milwaukee and extends to parts of the Chicago metropolitan area. This guide provides detailed insights into the geographic coverage, technical specifications, and regulatory framework of area code 262.
Geographic Coverage
Area code 262 encompasses a variety of cities and towns in southeastern Wisconsin. Here are some of the major cities served by this area code:
- Brookfield, WI: 43.06057, -88.10648
- Caledonia, WI: 42.8078, -87.92425
- Kenosha, WI: 42.58474, -87.82119
- Menomonee Falls, WI: 43.1789, -88.11731
- Mequon, WI: 43.2364, -87.98453
- Muskego, WI: 42.90585, -88.13898
- New Berlin, WI: 42.9764, -88.10842
- Racine, WI: 42.72613, -87.78285
- Waukesha, WI: 43.01168, -88.23148
- West Bend, WI: 43.42528, -88.18343
Key Features of Area Code 262
- NPA Code: 262
- Implementation Date: September 25, 1999
- State: Wisconsin
Dialing and Numbering Information
Dialing Requirements
- Local Calls: 10-digit dialing is required.
- Long-Distance Calls: Use 1 + area code + 7-digit number.
The transition to ten-digit dialing was completed by October 24, 2021, to accommodate the nationwide adoption of 988 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Network Infrastructure and Services
Area code 262 supports a variety of telecommunications services, including:
- Landline Services
- Wireless Services
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Major Carriers
While specific carriers are not listed, area code 262 is serviced by numerous telecommunications providers offering diverse services.
Regulatory Framework
Area code 262 is regulated by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) and adheres to FCC regulations. These bodies ensure compliance with numbering policies and manage area code allocations efficiently.
Historical Context and Milestones
- 1997: Area code 920 was established from area code 414 for Green Bay and the Fox River Valley.
- September 25, 1999: Area code 262 was created from area code 414.
- 2021: Transitioned to ten-digit dialing to support the 988 lifeline.
Conclusion
Area code 262 is a vital component of Wisconsin's telecommunications infrastructure, serving key suburbs of Milwaukee and parts of the Chicago metropolitan area. Its establishment in 1999 marked a significant expansion in regional telecommunications capacity. For more information, visit the official Wikipedia page on Area Code 262.
For further exploration of area codes and their geographic coverage, consider visiting authoritative sources like the FCC or the North American Numbering Plan Administration. These resources provide in-depth regulatory and technical information.