Area Code 208: Comprehensive Overview of Idaho's Telecommunications
Area code 208, established in 1947, is one of the original area codes under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and exclusively serves Idaho.
Technical Specifications
- NPA Code: 208
- Type: Overlay (with area code 986)
- Implementation Date: 1947
- State: Idaho
Geographic Coverage
Area code 208 encompasses the entire state of Idaho, located in the northwestern United States. Idaho's coordinates are approximately 45°N latitude and 114°W longitude.
Numbering Statistics
- Total Numbers Available: Approximately 15.6 million (combined with area code 986)
- Utilization Rate: Data not available
- Exhaust Projection: Initially projected for 2003, delayed to 2018, managed with area code 986 overlay
Network Infrastructure
Regulatory Framework
- Regulatory Body: Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC)
- Dialing Requirements: Mandatory ten-digit dialing as of August 5, 2017
- NANPA Regulations: Compliance with NANPA guidelines for number pooling and area code overlays
Historical Milestones
- 1947: Area code 208 established as one of the original NANP area codes.
- 2001: FCC projects exhaustion of area code 208 by 2003.
- 2002: Number pooling implemented in Boise to delay exhaustion.
- 2007: Number pooling extended statewide.
- 2013: NANPA projects exhaustion by 2018.
- 2015: IPUC approves area code 986 as an overlay.
- 2016: Area code 986 enters service.
- 2017: Ten-digit dialing becomes mandatory.
Conclusion
Area code 208 plays a crucial role in Idaho's telecommunications, serving as the state's primary area code since 1947. The introduction of area code 986 as an overlay ensures continued availability of phone numbers, supporting Idaho's growing population and telecommunications demands.