Area Code 406: Everything You Need to Know About Montana's Exclusive Phone Code
Area code 406 is the exclusive area code for the state of Montana, established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
What is Area Code 406 and Where is it Used?
Area code 406 is the only area code serving the entire state of Montana. It covers both urban centers and rural areas, playing a crucial role in Montana's telecommunications infrastructure since its establishment in 1947.
Geographic Coverage and Major Cities
Geographic Reach
- State: Montana
- Type: Sole area code for the entire state
Major Cities Within Area Code 406
- Billings: Latitude 45.78329, Longitude -108.50069
- Bozeman: Latitude 45.67965, Longitude -111.03856
- Butte: Latitude 46.00382, Longitude -112.53474
- Great Falls: Latitude 47.50024, Longitude -111.30081
- Helena: Latitude 46.59271, Longitude -112.03611
- Missoula: Latitude 46.87215, Longitude -113.994
These cities are key economic and cultural hubs in Montana, contributing to the diverse use of area code 406.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Major Carriers and Services
- Carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, CenturyLink
- Local Providers: Hot Springs Telephone Company, Northern Telephone Cooperative
- Services Offered: Landline, Wireless, VoIP
The telecommunications infrastructure in Montana supports a wide range of needs, ensuring robust connectivity across the state.
Numbering and Usage Statistics
- Total Numbers Available: Approximately 1.7 million lines as of 2013
- Utilization Management: Through number pooling
- Exhaust Projection: Sufficient numbers expected until 2031
Number pooling is a strategy used to manage the allocation of phone numbers efficiently, delaying the need for additional area codes.
Regulatory Information
Governing Bodies and Regulations
- Regulatory Authority: Montana Public Service Commission (PSC)
- Dialing Transition: Shifted to ten-digit dialing on October 24, 2021, due to the implementation of the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- NANPA Regulations: Number pooling is enforced for efficient resource allocation
These regulations ensure compliance with national standards while addressing local needs.
Historical Context and Milestones
- 1947: Area code 406 established
- 2013: 1.7 million lines in service
- 2021: Transition to ten-digit dialing
These milestones highlight the evolution of telecommunications in Montana, reflecting technological advancements and regulatory changes.
Conclusion
Area code 406 is a vital component of Montana's communication framework, supporting a variety of services and adhering to regulatory standards. The introduction of number pooling and ten-digit dialing enhances resource management and compliance with national guidelines.
For more detailed information, visit the official Montana Public Service Commission website.
Additional Area Code Data
| Area Code | City | State | Country | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 406 | Billings | Montana | US | 45.78329 | -108.50069 |
| 406 | Bozeman | Montana | US | 45.67965 | -111.03856 |
| 406 | Butte | Montana | US | 46.00382 | -112.53474 |
| 406 | Great Falls | Montana | US | 47.50024 | -111.30081 |
| 406 | Helena | Montana | US | 46.59271 | -112.03611 |
| 406 | Missoula | Montana | US | 46.87215 | -113.994 |
This comprehensive guide provides insights into area code 406, its historical significance, and its role in Montana's telecommunication landscape. For further exploration, access more data through the Montana Public Service Commission.