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

Regulatory Authority: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission oversees the implementation and regulation of area code 272.
Dialing Requirements: Ten-digit dialing is mandatory to ensure proper call routing.
NANPA Compliance: Area code 272 is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), adhering to its standards and regulations.

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.