Area Code 272: Comprehensive Guide to Coverage, Cities, and Regulations

Area Code 272: Comprehensive Guide to Coverage, Cities, and Regulations

Introduction

Where is Area Code 272 located? Area Code 272 is an integral part of northeastern Pennsylvania's telecommunications landscape. It overlays the existing 570 area code and serves major cities including Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Williamsport. This guide provides detailed insights into its coverage, regulatory framework, and technical specifications.

Technical Specifications

  • NPA Code: 272
  • Type: Overlay
  • Implementation Date: March 28, 2013
  • State: Pennsylvania

Geographic Coverage

Area Code 272 covers a broad swath of northeastern Pennsylvania, ensuring seamless connectivity across various urban and rural areas.

Key Cities

  • Scranton: Latitude 41.40916, Longitude -75.6649
  • Wilkes-Barre: Latitude 41.24591, Longitude -75.88131
  • Williamsport: Latitude 41.24119, Longitude -77.00108
  • Hazleton: Latitude 40.95842, Longitude -75.97465
  • Back Mountain: Latitude 41.33591, Longitude -75.99631

Numbering and Utilization

While detailed data on the total numbers available and utilization rates are not specified, the overlay ensures that there are sufficient numbers to meet the demand in the region.

Network Infrastructure

Major Carriers and Services

Area code 272 supports a variety of services, including:

  • Landline
  • Wireless
  • VoIP

Major carriers provide these services, though specific market share data is not included.

Regulatory Framework

Historical Context

  • 1947: Pennsylvania was initially divided into numbering plan areas, including area code 717.
  • 1998: Area code 570 was created from a split of area code 717.
  • 2013: Area code 272 was introduced as an overlay for area code 570, necessitating ten-digit dialing.

Conclusion

Area Code 272 is crucial for maintaining robust telecommunications in northeastern Pennsylvania. Since its introduction, it has supported essential communication needs in cities like Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. The implementation of ten-digit dialing facilitates efficient call handling and ensures compliance with NANPA standards.

For further details on area code regulations, visit the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and the North American Numbering Plan Administration.


Explore more about area codes and their impact on local communities by visiting our Area Code Resource Center.