Understanding Area Code 404: Atlanta's Key Telephone Code

Understanding Area Code 404: Atlanta's Key Telephone Code

Area code 404 is an integral part of Atlanta, Georgia's telecommunications landscape. This guide will provide comprehensive insights into its coverage, history, and the services it supports.


What is Area Code 404?

Area code 404 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that primarily covers the city of Atlanta and its immediate suburbs. Established in 1947, it is one of the original area codes and remains vital to the region's communication infrastructure.

Geographic Coverage of Area Code 404

Area code 404 serves the bustling city of Atlanta and its nearby suburbs within the perimeter of Interstate 285.

Major Cities in Area Code 404

  • Atlanta, Georgia (33.749, -84.38798)
  • Candler-McAfee, Georgia (33.72672, -84.27246)
  • College Park, Georgia (33.65344, -84.44937)
  • East Point, Georgia (33.67955, -84.43937)
  • Forest Park, Georgia (33.62205, -84.36909)
  • Sandy Springs, Georgia (33.92427, -84.37854)
  • Tucker, Georgia (33.85455, -84.21714)

Technical Details and Infrastructure

NPA Code and Overlay

  • NPA Code: 404
  • Type: Overlay
  • Implementation Date: 1947

Network Infrastructure

Major carriers operating within area code 404 include:

  • AT&T Inc. (formerly BellSouth)
  • Verizon
  • T-Mobile
  • Sprint

These carriers provide various services such as landline, wireless, and VoIP.

Numbering and Utilization

  • Total Numbers Available: Approximately 7.92 million (792 central offices)
  • Utilization Rate: High, nearing exhaustion
  • Exhaust Projection: 2022 (with the introduction of NPA 943)

Regulatory Information

Area code 404 is regulated by the Georgia Public Service Commission. The region requires ten-digit dialing, complying with standard NANPA regulations and number pooling.

Historical Context

  • 1947: Area code 404 was established as one of the original area codes in the NANP.
  • 1954: Southern Georgia was reassigned to area code 912.
  • 1992: Northern Georgia was reassigned to area code 706.
  • 1995: Atlanta suburbs were reassigned to area code 770.
  • 1998: Area code 678 was introduced as an overlay.
  • 2001: Area code 470 was added to the overlay.
  • 2022: Area code 943 was added to the overlay.

Conclusion

Area code 404 is a cornerstone of Atlanta's telecommunication network, reflecting both historical significance and modern demands. As the population and technology continue to evolve, new area codes are introduced to meet the growing needs.

For more information, visit the North American Numbering Plan Administrator.


Explore More

By understanding area code 404, residents and businesses can better navigate Atlanta's dynamic communication environment.