Frequently Asked Questions
The area codes for Charlotte, North Carolina are 704 and 980. Originally, 704 covered the entire state, but due to growth, the 980 overlay was added in 2000. This was the first overlay in the state, meaning both area codes serve the same geographic region, requiring 10-digit dialing.
To dial a local number in North Carolina, you must dial the area code followed by the 7-digit number. For example, 919-555-1212. This 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all local calls in the state due to the implementation of the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
North Carolina requires 10-digit dialing for all local calls to accommodate the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This nationwide change ensures consistent dialing procedures and access to essential services.
Area code 252 serves the eastern region of North Carolina, including cities like Greenville, Rocky Mount, Wilson, and coastal areas such as the Outer Banks and Elizabeth City. It was created in 1998 to relieve the 919 area code.
The 743 area code is an overlay for the 336 area code in the central Piedmont region of North Carolina, covering cities like Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem. Since it's an overlay, you should always dial 10 digits (area code + number) when calling this region.
You can validate a North Carolina phone number using regular expressions. The article provides JavaScript code with regex examples for standard numbers (like +1-252-555-1212), toll-free numbers (like +1-800-555-1212), and premium rate numbers (like +1-900-555-1212).
Premium rate services in North Carolina are subject to strict regulations. Providers must disclose rates clearly in both English and Spanish before charging, register with the NCUC, and adhere to specific technical requirements for call flows, including rate disclosure and opt-in confirmation.
Number portability in North Carolina allows consumers to keep their phone numbers when switching service providers. The process follows FCC guidelines, and carriers are required to support number porting. Typical porting takes one business day but complex cases might take 4–7 business days.
The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) sets guidelines for efficient and equitable phone number allocation and management. North Carolina follows these guidelines, including number verification, utilization monitoring, and reporting, to ensure responsible use of numbering resources.
North Carolina's area codes divide the state into regions: 252 (East), 336/743 (Central Piedmont), 704/980 (Charlotte), 828 (West/Mountains), 910/472 (Southeast), and 919/984 (Research Triangle). Several regions use overlays, meaning two codes cover the same area.
North Carolina employs several strategies to conserve phone numbers, such as allocating numbers in thousand-block increments (number pooling), optimizing rate center boundaries, assigning numbers sequentially within a block, and reclaiming unused numbers from carriers.
Connecting to the NPAC database requires credentials from iconectiv. The article provides example JavaScript code using Node.js and fetch to interact with the NPAC API. You need to configure the API endpoint, token, timeout, and retry attempts. A unique request ID is necessary for each lookup.
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United States Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide
This guide provides a detailed overview of phone number formats, area codes, validation procedures, and technical implementation guidelines specific to North Carolina. It covers dialing procedures, number portability, and the regulatory landscape governing telecommunications within the state. Whether you're a resident, a business owner, or a developer working with telephony systems, this guide will equip you with the essential information you need.
Area Codes and Regional Organization
North Carolina's telecommunications network is geographically divided, utilizing area codes to manage the state's expanding communication requirements. The state currently has ten active area codes, reflecting its growth and the increasing demand for phone numbers.
Regional Breakdown
252 (Eastern Region): Established in 1998 to alleviate the numbering strain on the 919 area code, this code serves the northeastern part of the state, including major cities like Greenville, Rocky Mount, Wilson, and coastal communities like the Outer Banks and Elizabeth City. The 252 area code also supports the growing telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas and emerging business corridors along I-95.
336/743 (Central Piedmont Region): This region uses an overlay system. The original 336 area code, established in 1997 (split from 910), covers cities like Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem. Due to high demand, the 743 overlay was added in 2016. An overlay means both area codes cover the same geographic area, necessitating 10-digit dialing.
704/980 (Charlotte Metropolitan Area): The 704 area code, originally covering the entire state in 1947, now serves the Charlotte metropolitan area. The 980 overlay was introduced in 2000, marking the first overlay in North Carolina.
828 (Western/Mountainous Region): Created in 1998 as a split from 704, this area code covers the western, mountainous part of the state, including Asheville and Hickory.
910/472 (Southern Coastal Plain): Serving the southeastern region, including Wilmington and Fayetteville, the 910 area code was established in 1993 (split from 919). Due to growth, the 472 overlay was implemented in 2022.
919/984 (Research Triangle): This area code covers the Research Triangle region, including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Originally established in 1954 (split from 704), it now has the 984 overlay, added in 2011.
Number Allocation and Management
North Carolina adheres to the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) guidelines, with state-specific modifications. These guidelines ensure efficient and equitable distribution of numbering resources.
Key Management Principles
Verification: Carriers requesting number blocks undergo a rigorous verification process, including eligibility assessment, infrastructure capability checks, service area confirmation, and compliance history review.
Utilization Monitoring: NANPA and state regulators monitor number utilization rates. Carriers submit monthly reports and quarterly forecasts. If utilization falls below a certain threshold, conservation measures are implemented. High utilization may qualify a carrier for additional number blocks.
Reporting: Carriers must adhere to strict reporting requirements, including monthly utilization reports, quarterly forecasts, annual audits, and exception reporting for unusual usage patterns.
Conservation Strategies
Several strategies are employed to conserve numbering resources:
Premium Rate Services
Premium rate services (e.g., 900 numbers) are subject to stringent consumer protection regulations in North Carolina.
Regulatory Framework
Disclosure: Service providers must clearly disclose rates before charging. This includes audible and visible notifications in both English and Spanish. The rate structure must be transparent.
Provider Responsibilities: Providers must register with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC), submit monthly compliance reports, maintain a consumer complaint resolution system, and monitor service quality.
Technical Requirements: Call flows for premium rate services must adhere to specific requirements, including initial greeting, rate disclosure, opt-in confirmation, service delivery, duration tracking, and termination notification.
Dialing Procedures
North Carolina has adopted mandatory 10-digit dialing for all local calls to accommodate the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Call Types
Local Calls: Dial the area code + 7-digit number (e.g., 919-555-1212).
Long-Distance Calls (within the US): Dial 1 + area code + 7-digit number (e.g., 1-800-555-1212).
Number Portability
Number portability allows consumers to keep their phone numbers when switching service providers. North Carolina follows FCC guidelines to ensure smooth transitions.
Key Aspects
Carrier Participation: All licensed carriers (wireline, wireless, local, and long-distance) must support number porting.
Processing Time: Simple ports typically take one business day, while complex ports can take 4-7 business days.
Documentation: Consumers must provide valid identification, current service agreement information, account verification, and authorization.
Technical Implementation Guide for Developers
This section provides guidance for developers working with North Carolina phone numbers.
Prerequisites
Number Validation
Use these regular expressions for validation:
NPAC Database Connection
This enhanced guide provides a more comprehensive understanding of North Carolina phone numbers, covering key aspects of area codes, dialing procedures, number portability, and technical implementation. Remember to consult official NANPA and FCC documentation for the most up-to-date information.